How to use an electronic thermometer - instructions for use

Everyone is familiar with such measuring equipment as a thermometer. It will be used in order to control the temperature level. For example, during illness or when tracking the day of onset of ovulation in women. Therefore, at home should always be thermometer. To replace mercury thermometers electronic thermometers come. Before buying this equipment, it is necessary to consider all its positive and negative qualities, as well as the features of measuring the temperature under the armpit, rectally, in the mouth.

Features of the electronic thermometer

Modern thermometers are distinguished by the presence of a special sensor, which is located on a narrow part of the thermometer. After the temperature measurement is completed, the result will be displayed on the display in the form of numbers. Therefore, the second name of the device is a digital thermometer.

When choosing an electronic device, you should pay attention to its strengths and weaknesses. Positive qualities include:

1. Security. It does not contain mercury, so it can not cause harm to health. Suitable for use by both adults and children of any age.
2. Universality. An electronic thermometer can measure temperature by various methods. For example, orally, rectally, in the armpit, elbow or groin.
3. Speed. The procedure usually does not take much time. On average, about 30-60 seconds are spent to obtain reliable data.
4. Comfort. You can find out about the end of the temperature measurement process by the sound signal that the device emits.
5. Simplicity. The measurement result will be displayed on a special display. It will be enough for a person to just look at the scoreboard.
6. Profitability. The device will turn itself off a few minutes after use. This will save battery.

The market is filled with various medical thermometers, which can be equipped with additional functions. The most popular and popular are:

• the presence of internal memory. That is, the device automatically stores the latest indicators, which will help a person analyze the changes in their own body temperature. Some models store up to 30 measurements;
• waterproof case. This function allows young mothers to measure not only the temperature of the body of a newborn baby, but also determine the degree of heating of the water that will be used for swimming;
• switching the scale from the measuring system Celsius to Fahrenheit;
• display backlight. This will help to see the readings of the thermometer even at night, without getting out of bed to turn on the light;
• tip change.

So that little children are not afraid to measure the temperature, manufacturers have developed special thermometers. They look like toys or are painted in bright colors. For newborns, you can purchase thermometers in the form of a nipple. They greatly simplify the temperature measurement procedure.

In addition to its positive qualities, the equipment also has several negative aspects. Among them:

1. Some models are afraid of moisture, so they can not be wet.
2. The electronic thermometer should usually be kept a few minutes after the beep. This is not very convenient, as additional time should be detected.
3. The cost of a good electronic device is slightly higher than that of a mercury thermometer.

In addition, when buying a device for a newborn, remember that you can only use it until the first teeth appear.

In order for the data to be obtained as accurate and correct as possible, it is imperative that you follow all the instructions and advice of the manufacturer that are indicated on the equipment packaging and in the attached instructions.

How to use an electronic thermometer?

To get the right data, you must use the equipment correctly. In this case, some rules should be observed:

1. The sensor on the thermometer should fit snugly against the body.
2. The most accurate results are obtained by rectal or oral measurement.
3. Data can only be evaluated after the device emits a specific sound signal. If measurements take place in the armpit, it is recommended to hold the thermometer after this for about 2-3 minutes.
4. When measuring the temperature orally, you must not eat or drink before this.
5. It is not recommended to take measurements in the armpit after taking a bath and other water procedures.

The correct measurement of temperature is also affected by batteries. Usually one set serves from 2 to 5 years. While they start to sit down, the thermometer may begin to incorrectly show the temperature of the body. Therefore, it is recommended that batteries be replaced regularly.

How to measure temperature by various methods using an electronic thermometer?

There are several ways you can use an electronic thermometer:

• orally;
• rectally;
• in the armpit.

Using an electronic thermometer is not only much more convenient, but also safer. If the temperature is measured in the mouth or armpit, the algorithm of actions is practically no different from the use of a mercury thermometer. But there are specific features. First of all, it refers to the time through which you can get the exact result. It depends on the type of thermometer, as well as on the manufacturer. Usually there is an instruction for this, which indicates how long you can watch the result. For most models, this period of time is from 30 seconds to 1 minute. But in practice it happens a little differently. If the measurements are carried out in the axillary region, then after the sound signal, you must still wait about 2-3 minutes, without taking out the thermometer. Only after this period can you evaluate the result.

Read also: advantages and disadvantages of a mercury-free thermometer.

With oral temperature measurement, the correct readings on the display will appear immediately after the sound signal.

The most correct and objective data are obtained with measurements through the rectum. There, the temperature is as close as possible to the testimony of the internal organs. Use this method for diseases of the rectum, as well as disorders of the digestive system. In addition, women planning a pregnancy determine ovulation days using this method. To get accurate readings, you need to follow a few simple rules:

1. The tip of the thermometer is lubricated with petroleum jelly or oil before being introduced into the rectum.
2. An adult should take a pose while lying on his side, a small child should be laid on his tummy.
3. Turn on the thermometer and wait until the start of the procedure appears on the display. It may differ from one manufacturer to another, so be sure to fully familiarize yourself with the instructions before use.
4. Insert the thermometer into the rectum by no more than 3 cm and hold it in this position between the straight middle and index fingers.
5. Tightly tighten the buttocks while determining the temperature. This will help prevent cold air from entering.
6. Usually, the procedure takes from 1 to 2 minutes.

A person during a rectal temperature measurement should not get up or make any movements. It is also forbidden to sharply insert the device into the rectum.

After the process is completed, the thermometer should be disinfected with a special solution.

Browse Popular Models

Today, a huge number of different models of digital thermometers are presented on shelves in stores. You can choose them based on reviews about the manufacturer, cost or the availability of various options. The most popular are:

1. Gamma T-50. Designed for children and adults. The equipment has built-in memory and can store the latest values. There is an auto shut off which saves the battery. The temperature measurement time is 1 minute.
   

   Gamma t-50

2. Thermoval Basic. The thermometer is water resistant and can retain the last result in its memory. A charge of 1 battery lasts for 3,000 measurements.
   

   Thermoval basic

3. Chicco Digi light. Children's thermometer It has a bright appearance and a flexible nose, at the end of which a sensor is placed. The advantage of this equipment is the integrated display backlight, as well as an audio signal. In addition, the device comes with a protective case.

For young parents, electronic thermometers such as Little Doctor LD-303 and Microlife MT 1751 will be excellent options. They are made in the form of a nipple. To take measurements, it is necessary to give it to the child. He sucks this nipple for several minutes, after which the result will be displayed on a special display.