In the past, glass thermometers were a common object, but now there are a variety of more common digital thermometers. If you have a choice, it's best to use a thermometer without a glass. Glass thermometers can break and cause injury, and they contain toxic mercury. Thermometers containing mercury are no longer recommended. However, if a glass thermometer is the only option for you, use it with care just to be safe.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Setting up the Thermometer
Step 1. Choose a thermometer without mercury
If you have a choice, a mercury-free glass thermometer is safer. It should have written on the packaging whether the thermometer contains mercury or not. So, read carefully.
A thermometer without mercury is safer because the mercury will not seep out. However, as long as you are sure that the thermometer is not cracked or broken, a mercury thermometer should also be safe
Step 2. Choose between a rectal thermometer or an oral thermometer
This type of thermometer has a different tip so that adults or children who wear it are comfortable enough when taking temperature measurements. Look for the rounded end of a rectal thermometer or the long, pointed end of an oral thermometer.
- Usually there is a color code on the tip, red for the anal thermometer and green for the oral.
- Read the directions on the package to find out what thermometer you are using.
Step 3. Clean the thermometer with soap and water
Use clean water and hand soap or any dish soap and rub it on the thermometer to clean it. Rinse thoroughly under running water to remove soap residue.
- Do not use hot water to prevent the thermometer from breaking.
- You can also clean the thermometer by rubbing rubbing alcohol on it and then rinsing.
Step 4. Shake the thermometer to lower the temperature
Glass thermometers don't always reset after you use them to take temperature. Hold the end opposite the tip and shake the thermometer. Check to see if the temperature gauge has dropped to at least 36 degrees Celsius. The temperature indicator must be below the average body temperature.
Method 2 of 3: Slip the Thermometer in its Proper Location
Step 1. Take a rectal temperature if the person whose temperature is taken is less than 5 years old
Lubricate the ends with Vaseline. Put the child to sleep on his back and legs raised. Gently insert the pointed end of the thermometer into the anus, about 1.5 to 2.5 cm in. Do not force if you feel there is a barrier. Hold the thermometer as long as you take the temperature, so it doesn't go too deep.
- Hold the baby or child so that the thermometer does not break.
- Children can bite the thermometer if the thermometer is in their mouth so they can get broken glass and mercury in their mouth. Therefore, you should not put a glass thermometer in their mouth. In addition, rectal temperature checks are most accurate for children.
Step 2. Place the thermometer under the armpit to make it easier to measure the child's body temperature
For this type, use an oral or rectal thermometer. Raise the hand of the child or person so that the tip of the thermometer is in the center of the armpit. Then ask him to squeeze his arm tightly.
If the temperature indicates the person has a fever, it is best to check again rectally or orally, depending on the age, because rectally or orally checks are more accurate
Step 3. Use an oral thermometer for children 5 years and older and adults
Place the tip of the thermometer under his tongue. Ask them to hold the thermometer in place while the temperature gauge gets warmer due to their body temperature.
This method is accurate, but some children may find it difficult to hold the thermometer in the correct position
Method 3 of 3: Removing and Reading the Thermometer
Step 1. Leave the thermometer in place for some time
How long depends on the place. If you use a rectal thermometer, 2-3 minutes will suffice. If the measurement is taken by mouth or armpit, leave the thermometer for 3-4 minutes.
Do not shake the thermometer while pulling it, as this may affect the reading
Step 2. Hold the thermometer horizontally so you can read the number shown
Hold the thermometer at eye level, with the tip of the liquid directly in front of you. Look at the long lines, each indicating 1 °C and each short line indicating 0.1 °C. Read the number closest to the end of the liquid, also counting the short lines if necessary.
For example, if the tip of the liquid crosses 38 °C and two short lines, the temperature is 38.2 °C
Step 3. Determine if the person whose temperature is being measured has a fever
Usually, you or your child's temperature will read 38.0 °C if taken rectal, 38 °C if taken by mouth, or 37 °C if taken under the armpit. That number is the minimum temperature for someone who has a fever.
- Contact the doctor if your child is less than 3 months old and has a fever after having his or her temperature checked with a rectal thermometer.
- If your child is 3-6 months old and his temperature is 39 °C, consult a doctor, especially if your child is showing other symptoms such as lethargy or fussiness. If the temperature is above 39 °C, contact a doctor under any circumstances.
- If your child has a temperature of 39°C and is 6 to 24 months old, call the doctor if the fever lasts for more than a day. Also, contact the doctor if your child shows other symptoms of illness, such as coughing or diarrhea.
- If your child is older or the person you are measuring is an adult, see a doctor if the temperature is 39°C or higher.
Step 4. Clean the thermometer again
Wash the thermometer with clean water and soap, wiping the long side of the thermometer, but especially focus on the tip. Rinse with water when finished soaping.
If not cleaned, the next thermometer user can be exposed to germs
Tips
If you want to throw away an old mercury thermometer, call your local toxics control agency or health department for the best way to dispose of it
Warning
- Always check the thermometer for cracks or leaks before using it to measure temperature.
- If a mercury thermometer breaks, call the toxics control agency for more information. If the thermometer is mercury-free, it's harmless so you can clean it with a paper towel.
