An accurate reading of a person’s temperature is a vital tool in managing illness. Here are the different types of thermometers and how to use them, along with information on when it’s time to call your healthcare provider. Show
Why should I take my temperature?Checking your body’s temperature with a thermometer is an easy way to see if a fever is present. A fever, which is a rise in the body’s temperature, is usually caused by an infection. Though fevers can be uncomfortable, they are a sign that the body is fighting off infection. There are many different types of thermometers you can use to measure temperature. When using any kind of thermometer, make sure you read and follow the instructions that come with the thermometer. If your thermometer uses batteries, check them. You might notice that weak batteries give inconsistent readings. What is a normal body temperature?Normal body temperature is about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) or 37 degrees Celsius (°C). Normal temperature often varies from 1° to 2°F (½° to 1°C). A normal temperature is usually lower in the morning and increases during the day. It reaches its high in the late afternoon or evening. What temperature is considered a fever?In adults, a fever is considered to be a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or above. You can treat this at home with a fever reducer medication and fluids to make yourself more comfortable, or let it run its course. But if it reaches 102°F (38.8°C) or higher and home treatment doesn’t lower it, call your healthcare provider. What types of thermometer should I use to take a temperature?Digital thermometer A digital thermometer is the most accurate and quickest way to take a temperature. Digital thermometers are available in most drug stores and supermarket pharmacies. Depending on where you shop, a digital thermometer can cost from $6 to $20. Be sure to follow package instructions while using any thermometer. Digital thermometer How to use a digital thermometer?A digital thermometer can be used three different ways. These include:
Other types of thermometers (young children and adults):Tympanic (ear): This type of thermometer measures the temperature inside of the ear by reading the infrared heat there. For best results, make sure to follow the instructions on the device about placing the tip correctly. For older babies and children, ear thermometers can be quicker and easier to use. However, they are not recommended if your baby is three months old or younger. They should not be used if your child has too much earwax, or if they have an earache. Ear (tympanic) thermometer Temporal artery (forehead): Forehead thermometers are also used to measure temperature, but may not be as reliable as the digital thermometers and are usually more expensive. They are placed on the temporal artery of the forehead and measure the infrared heat that comes off of the head. Forehead (temporal artery) thermometer What types of thermometers aren’t recommended?Some thermometers aren’t recommended due to their inaccuracy.
Is my old mercury glass thermometer okay to use?No, you should not use your old glass thermometer that contains mercury. These types of thermometers were found in nearly every house and hospital at one time before digital thermometers were available. The mercury thermometers were difficult to read and so did not always provide accurate information. The main reason they are not longer recommended is that mercury can poison you. This can happen when the glass breaks and mercury is released. If you do still have one of these thermometers, you should contact your local waste department and find how to dispose of hazardous waste properly. There are glass thermometers available that do not use mercury, but most people prefer the digital thermometers that do not shatter. How do I take a temperature with a thermometer?Using a digital oral thermometer
Using a digital rectal thermometer (for babies and children up to 3 years old) Rectal thermometer
Using a digital axillary (same as oral) thermometer
Should I add a degree to oral (under the tongue) and axillary (under the arm) readings?Yes, for the most accuracy. Rectal temperatures are considered most accurate indication of the body’s temperature. Oral and axillary temperature readings are about ½° to 1°F (.3°C to .6°C) below rectal. Add these numbers to oral and axillary temperature readings for the most accurate reading. Using a tympanic thermometer (for adults and children over 2 years old)
Using a temporal artery thermometer
Note: Some newer forehead thermometers do not require covers because the thermometer does not need to touch the forehead. These products are placed near the forehead and are able to take a reading. How often should I take my temperature?If you are feeling ill or if your child seems to be ill, it’s likely that you will reach for your thermometer. Often one of the first questions a health provider asks is if you have taken the temperature of the person who is ill. You may decide to take medicine to reduce the fever. If you do, there is usually a period of time on the instructions about when it is safe to take the medicine again. (This is usually a period of about four to six hours.) Before taking another dose, check your temperature or your child’s to see if medicine is really needed. However, if the first temperature is very high, you might decide to recheck temperature on a more regular schedule, maybe once or twice an hour. You might decide to recheck temperatures when medicine doesn’t seem to be working, such as when the illness is not getting better, and you still have symptoms. Your healthcare provider might recommend times to take your temperature, like mornings and evenings. You should keep a record of these temperatures to be able to report back. How should I clean and store my thermometer?It is a good idea to keep the instructions that come with your thermometer so you can refer back to them for questions like this. Clean any thermometer before and after you use it. You can use soap and water or alcohol to clean the tips of digital thermometers. You should rinse afterward with lukewarm water. If you are using one thermometer as a rectal thermometer, make sure to clean it thoroughly and label it. Store it in a way that you can tell immediately that it is the rectal and not the oral or axillary thermometer. Check the directions, but ear and forehead tips may be swiped with alcohol. The bottom part, the handles, may be cleaned with tougher disinfectants. However, make sure you use water to wipe off the disinfectant so it does no damage to the handle or to your hands. If your thermometer comes with a case to protect it, store your thermometer in the case. Keep your thermometer (or thermometers) in a dry place that is easy to find and that is not exposed to drastic changes in temperatures. When should I call my healthcare provider?If you have questions about how to take a temperature, call your provider. They can give you tips on what’s the best type of thermometer for your family and the best way to take your temperature or your child’s temperature. This is a good time to ask things like how often you should recheck temperatures or if you should do anything to try to reduce the fever. Call your healthcare provider right away if anyone in your household has a fever and any of the following:
Remember, you and your healthcare provider act together to keep you and your family members healthy. They will be glad to answer questions about what thermometers are best, how they should be used and which numbers are important to keep track of. While a fever may be scary, it’s also trying to tell you something. Your provider is your partner in knowing what is being said and how to respond. Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 03/23/2020. References
Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information enewsCleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy Related Institutes & ServicesCommunity CareCleveland Clinic Community Care puts patients first by offering comprehensive, coordinated, personalized healthcare. More health news + infoShow More
Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram LinkedIn Pinterest Snapchat ActionsAppointments & AccessAccepted InsuranceEvents CalendarFinancial AssistanceGive to Cleveland ClinicPay Your Bill OnlineRefer a PatientPhone DirectoryVirtual Second OpinionsVirtual VisitsBlog, News & AppsConsult QDHealth EssentialsNewsroomMyClevelandClinicMyChartAbout Cleveland Clinic100 Years of Cleveland ClinicAbout UsLocationsQuality & Patient SafetyOffice of Diversity & InclusionPatient ExperienceResearch & InnovationsCommunity CommitmentCareersFor EmployeesResources for Medical ProfessionalsSite Information & PoliciesSend Us FeedbackSite MapAbout this WebsiteCopyright, Reprint & LicensingWebsite Terms of UsePrivacy PolicyNotice of Privacy PracticesNon-Discrimination Notice9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 | 800.223.2273 | © 2022 Cleveland Clinic. All Rights Reserved. Which shampoo is recommended for removing residue such as product buildup?Unlike regular shampoos, clarifying shampoos are formulated to remove excess buildup or residue on your hair or scalp. They offer a deeper cleanse than a regular shampoo, but are not designed for regular use — if used too frequently, clarifying shampoos might dry your hair and could fade color-treated hair.
Which of the following statement about hard water is true?Answer and Explanation: The correct answer is option C which is it contains only Na+ and K+ ions. All the given statements are true of hard water except option C). Hard water contains calcium salts as well as iron salts, and it forms an insoluble scum with soap.
What massage movement involves light or heavy kneading and rolling of the muscles?2. Petrissage. This type of massage stroke is often described as one in which the practitioner is kneading, rolling, wringing, and lifting the soft tissue being worked on. This picture shows petrissage being done to the upper trapezius muscle.
Which type of water is generally preferred for shampooing?microbiology test 2. |