How to properly measure the temperature

Where and how to measure the temperature

The body temperature is checked in different ways:

1. Rectally - in the rectum.
2. Oral - in the mouth.
3. Under his arm.
4. On the forehead - it uses infrared scanners that check artery.
5. In the ear - also with the help of scanners.

For each method, there are electronic thermometers, specially designed for each location. There are plenty to choose. But there is a problem: cheap (and sometimes not so cheap) devices often lie or fail. Therefore, when choosing an electronic thermometer does not save, be sure to read the reviews and at least once check the readings of the mercury.

The latter, by the way, preferred by many. The maximum mercury thermometer (the thermometer is properly called) is worth a penny, and accurate enough, which can not be said of many electronic devices with a "so-so". However, it is dangerous, because it is easy splitsAnd broken glass and mercury vapor one more healthier not done.

No matter what kind of thermometer you use, first read the instructions to him.

After each use of the thermometer is good to clean: wash, if possible, or rub with antiseptic. Be careful, if the thermometer is sensitive to moisture and can go bad. Embarrassing to mention, but still a thermometer to rectal measurement is not necessary to use more than in any other place.

How to measure the temperature of the armpit

Most often, we measure the temperature under the arm a conventional mercury or electronic thermometer. Here's how to do it right:

1. You can not measure the temperature after eating and physical activity. Wait half an hour.
2. Before starting the measurement it is necessary to shake the glass thermometer: the mercury must show less than 35 ° C. If the electronic thermometer, just turn it on.
3. Axilla must be dry. Pot should be wiped.
4. Hold your hand held tightly. The temperature under the arm was the same as that inside the body, the skin should be warm, but it takes time. The shoulder of the child is best to press their own, such as taking the baby in his arms.
5. The good news: if you follow the previous rule, mercury thermometer will need 5 minutes, rather than 10, as is commonly believed. Many electronic thermometers react to changes in temperature and is measured as long as these changes are. Therefore, if the arm is not pressed, the temperature can be changed for a long time and the results will be with an error.

How to measure the temperature rectally

Such a method is needed, when it is necessary to check the temperature in infants: they find it difficult to hold his hand to poke something into his mouth unsafe and expensive infrared sensor is not at all.

1. Part of the thermometer, which you will enter into the rectum, should be lubricated with petroleum jelly or mineral oil (available at any pharmacy).
2. Child lay on its side or on your back, bend his legs.
3. Gently insert a thermometer into the anus of 1.5-2.5 cm (depending on the size of the sensor), hold the child, while there is a dimension. Mercury thermometer should be kept for 2 minutes, the electronic - as much as it is written in the instructions (usually less than a minute).
4. Remove the thermometer, see data.
5. Prepare the skin of the child, if needed. Wash the thermometer.

How to measure the temperature in the mouth

Such a method is not suitable for children under four years, because at this age children are still not guaranteed to keep the thermometer. Do not measure the temperature in the mouth, if the last 30 minutes of eating something cold.

1. Wash the thermometer.
2. Sensor or a tank of mercury need to put under the tongue and hold the thermometer lips.
3. Ordinary thermometer, measure the temperature of 3 minutes, electronic - as much as is necessary according to the instructions.

How to measure the temperature in the ear

For this there are special infrared thermometers: thermometers other stuff in the ear is useless. Children up to 6 months in the ear temperature is not measuredAge guidelinesBecause due to the nature of the results will be inaccurate. To measure the temperature in the ear only after 15 minutes after you come back from the street.

Pull the ear slightly to the side and insert the thermometer probe into the ear. For the measurement takes a few seconds.

Some infrared instruments measure the temperature on the forehead, at a location where the artery extends. Data from the forehead or the ear are not as accurateFever: First aidAs in other dimensions, but they are fast. And for domestic measurement is not so important, what is your point: 38,3 or 38,5 ° C.

How to read the thermometer

The result of measurement depends on the accuracy of the thermometer, and the measuring accuracy on where the measurement was performed.

The temperature in the mouth higher than the armpit, to 0,3-0,6 ° C, rectal - by 0,6-1,2 ° C, in the ear - to 1,2 ° C. Ie 37,5 ° C - is an alarming figure for measurement under his arm, but not for rectal.

Also, the rate depends on the age. Children under one year rectal temperature may rise up to 37,7 ° C (36,5-37,1 ° C under the arm), and nothing wrong with that. 37,1 ° C under one arm, from which we suffer, become a problem with age.

In addition, there are individual characteristics. healthy adult temperature ranges from 36,1 to 37,2 ° C under the arm, but someone's personal norm - 36,9 ° C, and someone - 36.1. The difference is big, so in an ideal world, good for the interest to measure your temperature when you are healthy, or at least remember that there is a thermometer showing on physical examination.

See also:

• How to measure the pressure correctly →
• How to tell if you have a normal heart rate →
• How to get a shot at home →