How to Properly Use and Maintain a Thermometer

When using a thermometer, it is essential to measure body temperature correctly. No matter how accurate the device is, if the method used to determine body temperature is incorrect, the results obtained will not be reliable. Therefore, learning how to use and accurately maintain a thermometer is essential to ensure accurate readings.

Let us go through the right ways of using different types of thermometers along with the proper methods to clean and maintain a thermometer so that it can be used for longer.

Right Way of Using a Thermometer for Temperature Measurement 

No matter how simple a thermometer may seem, it can be tricky to use it correctly so an accurate temperature measurement can be taken. The following steps highlight the proper way of employing a thermometer:

Using an Oral Thermometer

● Switch on an oral thermometer. Usually, these devices give off a beep signal when they are ready to be used.

● Place the oral thermometer under your tongue and close your lips. Do not breathe from your oral cavity until the device is working.

● After approximately 40 seconds or when the device gives a beep signal, take the thermometer out. The digital display will indicate your body temperature.

● Shut the thermometer off and wipe it clean before placing the cap on its tip.

Using a Rectal Thermometer

● Lubricate the tip of the rectal thermometer using any lubricant jelly or petroleum jelly (i.e. Vaseline).

● By placing the child on their stomach, start inserting the probe or tip of the thermometer into the rectal opening.

● Wait for 30 seconds or until the device sends a beep signal. Read the temperature reading on the display.

● Clean the thermometer using liquid soap and cold water or alcohol wipes.

Using an Ear Thermometer

● Switch on the ear or tympanic thermometer and make sure it is ready to use.

● Cover the tip of the thermometer with a protective cap.

● Open the patient’s ear canal and insert the thermometer as deep as it can go or until the ear canal gets closed.

● Wait for the device to send a sound signal when the temperature reading has been taken.

● Take the device out of the ear canal, and remove and dispose of the protective cap.

Using an Infrared Forehead Thermometer

● Switch on your forehead thermometer.

● Place a protective cover on its surface.

● Bring it close to the forehead without touching the skin. Wait for the temperature reading to be displayed on the screen.

● Once the reading has been taken, remove the protective cap and switch off the device.

Using an Axillary Thermometer

● Switch on your thermometer and wait until the device is ready to use.

● Expose and clean the armpits until completely dry.

● Put the thermometer bulb in the armpits and put the arm down.

● Wait for 30 seconds or until the thermometer sends off a beep signal.

● Make sure to clean the device using liquid soapy water or alcohol wipes.

How to Clean and Maintain a Thermometer for Longevity?

Proper cleaning and maintenance of a thermometer not only increase its lifespan but also prevent reading inaccuracies. Therefore, the following practices should be adopted to clean and maintain a thermometer for the best results:

Cleaning a Digital Thermometer

To minimize the spread of infections from one person to another, it is essential to clean your thermometer properly after every use. For this purpose, the following steps should be kept in mind:

·  After every use, it is advised to wash the tip of the thermometer thoroughly using cold water.

· Once washed, use rubbing alcohol, 70% alcohol-based wipes, iodine, glutaraldehyde, or antibacterial liquid soap to wipe your thermometer.

·  Once again, rinse the thermometer with cold water so that the alcohol is washed away.

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Conclusion

Thermometers are medical devices that are employed in households as well as in professional facilities for taking the patient’s temperature. However, it is important to go through the proper steps while using a thermometer so that the obtained readings remain accurate and reliable.

Apart from employing the product correctly, it is also essential to clean it properly for the next use. While choosing a good thermometer, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached as they not only ensure the provision of quality products but also offer satisfactory services.

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·  Alternatively, 70% or 90% alcohol can also be used instead of liquid soap.

Cleaning a Rectal Thermometer

As our rectum carries more microbes than our oral cavity, the risk of getting an infection through the use of a rectal thermometer is even higher. Because this route is ideal for infants and children, the disinfection of rectal thermometers becomes more important. Here is how to do it:

·  Before every use, it is essential to wipe the tip of the rectal thermometer with alcohol-soaked cotton balls.

· After wiping it clean, the thermometer should be left in the air for a few seconds to let the alcohol evaporate completely. Then, a child’s temperature can be taken.

·  Once the utilization is done, clean the tip of the rectal thermometer with antibacterial soap and cold water. This mixture is ideal to remove any fecal remnants from the tip.

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Conclusion

Thermometers are medical devices that are employed in households as well as in professional facilities for taking the patient’s temperature. However, it is important to go through the proper steps while using a thermometer so that the obtained readings remain accurate and reliable.

Apart from employing the product correctly, it is also essential to clean it properly for the next use. While choosing a good thermometer, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached as they not only ensure the provision of quality products but also offer satisfactory services.

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 Cleaning a Glass Thermometer

Although, the use of glass thermometers, also called mercury thermometers, has been discontinued due to the risk of breakage. However, in many healthcare settings, these glass thermometers are still employed. So, their cleaning becomes an essential practice. The following steps present a guide regarding this process:

·  Before using a glass thermometer, it should be washed in a bowl filled with liquid soap and water.

· After a few minutes, rinse the thermometer with running cold water. Now, the product is ready to use.

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·  Alternatively, 70% or 90% alcohol can also be used instead of liquid soap.

Cleaning a Rectal Thermometer

As our rectum carries more microbes than our oral cavity, the risk of getting an infection through the use of a rectal thermometer is even higher. Because this route is ideal for infants and children, the disinfection of rectal thermometers becomes more important. Here is how to do it:

·  Before every use, it is essential to wipe the tip of the rectal thermometer with alcohol-soaked cotton balls.

· After wiping it clean, the thermometer should be left in the air for a few seconds to let the alcohol evaporate completely. Then, a child’s temperature can be taken.

·  Once the utilization is done, clean the tip of the rectal thermometer with antibacterial soap and cold water. This mixture is ideal to remove any fecal remnants from the tip.

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Conclusion

Thermometers are medical devices that are employed in households as well as in professional facilities for taking the patient’s temperature. However, it is important to go through the proper steps while using a thermometer so that the obtained readings remain accurate and reliable.

Apart from employing the product correctly, it is also essential to clean it properly for the next use. While choosing a good thermometer, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached as they not only ensure the provision of quality products but also offer satisfactory services.