Do you know How to Use a Digital Thermometer? Body temperature is a great indicator of health. Knowing the way to use a digital thermometer properly will make sure you are ready to take your temperature and see if something is wrong. Generally speaking, humans should have a temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you find that your temperature is off by more than a degree or two, you may need to see a doctor. These steps will help you take your temperature correctly.
Prepare ONE of How to Use Digital Thermometer
Even if the digital thermometer has been stored before use, it is prudent to clean it before using it again. This can either be done in a solution of soapy water or by wiping it with a cloth that has been sprayed with an antibacterial solution.
Prepare TWO of Switch it On
Switch on the digital thermometer before putting it near the mouth to make sure that it is working properly. If this does not occur or the screen remains blank, you may find that the battery needs to be replaced.
Check the instruction manual to ensure that you get the correct replacement battery and that you fit it correctly. Only use the thermometer if the starting reading is correct.
Prepare THREE of Place the Thermometer
Place the thermometer in the mouth by laying the tip on a middle point at the back of the tongue before closing the lips around it to hold the length of it. Avoid gripping it between the teeth as it is unnecessary and can cause the thermometer to lift off of the tongue.
Prepare FOUR of Take Your Temperature
Once the digital thermometer is in the correct position, you will be able to press the button to make the appliance read the temperature. Depending on the model, this can take anything from a few seconds to a few minutes.
Similarly, the model you are using will dictate whether it demonstrates its completion of the task with a beep or whether the result is simply displayed. At this point, you will be able to remove the thermometer from the mouth so that you can read the temperature.
You may be able to set the temperature according to degrees Celsius (C) or degrees Fahrenheit (F). The body’s normal temperature is 37 degrees Celsius or 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. So, you must take immediate action if the reading is above or below this.
Even 2 degrees above a normal temperature can be a sign of a fever, while anything lower means that the patient’s body is failing to regulate its temperature.
Prepare FIVE Clean of How to Use Digital Thermometer
After you have finished using the thermometer, switch it off, and clean it using the method that you used at the outset. Use a clean tissue to dry it thoroughly. A digital thermometer will often come with a protective case that has been designed to store it in and protect it from damage. Return it to the case before storing it.
Types of How to Use Digital Thermometer
You have the choice of digital or manual (mercury) thermometers for taking a temperature in three ways:
1. Oral
2. Rectal
3. Axillary (armpit)
Two other types of digital-only thermometers are available
1. Tympanic
2. Temporal
Oral Thermometer Use
Oral thermometers are not the best option for young children, who may not be able to keep their mouths closed long enough to get a good reading.
To Use an Oral Thermometer
1. Wash your hands before handling the thermometer
2. Place it under the tongue
3. Make sure the mouth stays closed the entire time
4. Wait approximately five minutes (manual thermometer) or for the beep (digital thermometer). Don’t take an oral temperature right after eating or drinking something; it will affect the results.
Axillary Thermometer Use
While this is the least accurate way to get a child’s temperature, it’s often used in schools and daycare to avoid spreading germs. To use an axillary thermometer:
Place the thermometer under the arm with the tip in the deepest crease of the armpit. Wait approximately five minutes (manual thermometer) or for the beep (digital thermometer).
Rectal Thermometer Use
Rectal thermometers are specifically designed with short tips that allow them to get a proper reading without going too far into the body.
To Use a Rectal Thermometer
1. Use lubrication, such as petroleum jelly, to ease insertion
2. Place the thermometer’s tip in the rectum
Wait approximately five minutes (manual thermometer) or for the beep (digital thermometer).
Cleaning Your Thermometer
Wash your thermometer before and after use with cold water, then lotion. Rinse thoroughly to remove the alcohol.
Tympanic Thermometer Use
These in-the-ear thermometers are very popular, especially among parents of small children, since they’re faster than regular digital thermometers and are easy to use. However, tympanic thermometers can be difficult to use on babies and are often inaccurate because their ear canals are so small.
To Use a Tympanic Thermometer
1. Pull the top of the earlobe up and back
2. Place the tip of the thermometer in the ear canal opening. (Be sure you are pointing the probe into the ear canal opening and not at the wall of the ear.)
3. Press the button until it beeps
If you are interested in checking other best head thermometers be sure to check the Best Head Thermometer and these other articles.
