Thermometers vary depending on how the temperature is read, which can be digital or analog, and with the body location most suitable for use, there are models that can be used under the frame, in the ear, on the forehead, in the mouth or anus.
The thermometer is important for temperature control whenever fever is suspected or to control the improvement or worsening of infections, especially in children.
To measure the temperature with the digital thermometer, follow the steps:
Refer to some precautions to correctly measure the temperature and understand what temperature is considered normal.
The infrared thermometer reads the temperature using the rays emitted on the skin, but which do not harm health. There are infrared and front thermometers and both types are very practical, fast and hygienic.
To use the ear thermometer, also called an ear thermometer or adimpanic thermometer, you must:
The infrared ear thermometer is very fast and easy to read, but requires you to regularly purchase plastic protective capsules that make using the thermometer more expensive.
Depending on the type of front infrared thermometer, it is possible to measure the temperature by placing the device directly in contact with the skin or at a distance of up to 5 cm from the forehead. To use this type of device correctly, you must:
In cases where the instructions recommend touching the device with the skin, you should clean the tip of the thermometer with cotton or gauze with alcohol after use.
The use of the mercury thermometer is countered by health risks, such as respiratory problems or skin lesions, but today there are also glass thermometers similar to the old mercury thermometers, called analog thermometers, which have no mercury in their composition and can be used safely.
To measure the temperature with these devices, you need to
This type of thermometer takes longer to measure temperature than others, and reading is harder to do, especially for the elderly or those with vision problems.
In case a thermometer breaks with mercury, it is very important to avoid any direct contact with the skin. Then, at first, you should open the room window and leave the room for at least 15 minutes. Then you have to put on some rubber gloves and, to attach the different mercury balls, it is advisable to use a piece of cardboard and suck the mercury with a syringe.
In the end, to make sure that all the mercury has been collected, the room should be darkened and with a flashlight to illuminate the area where the thermometer was broken. If it is possible to identify something shiny, it can be a lost ball of mercury.
If, once broken, mercury comes into contact with resorbable surfaces, such as carpets, clothing or towels, it should be discarded because there is a risk of contamination. Any material used for cleaning or disposal must be placed in a plastic bag and left in a suitable recycling center.
To measure the temperature in infants, all types of thermometers can be used, but it is easier to measure the temperature with fast and shameless baby thermometers, such as the infrared ear thermometer, the infrared front thermometer or the digital thermometer. .
In addition to these, there is also the nipple thermometer, which is very fast and comfortable, and should be used as follows:
It is important to remember that to use any type of thermometer in your baby, you must keep it quiet so that the temperature value is as correct as possible.