How a digital thermometer works according to the measurement zone

 How a digital thermometer works according to the measurement zone

How does a digital thermometer work? Its application will depend on the age, the area where the temperature is to be taken ... Next, we will explain it to you step by step.

In general, fever is usually a symptom that is present in various diseases that cause infections, such as flu, colds, otitis ... The increase in body temperature is an indication that something is not going well, so it is very important to keep in mind home a thermometer.

- How a digital thermometer works according to the measurement zone and Instant-Read Thermometers Product

This device helps us to detect accurately and quickly if the presence of a virus is causing us any damage. However, there are different types of thermometer and you must make sure you know how a digital thermometer works correctly  to ensure a good measurement . Take note, we show you the steps to follow to use a digital thermometer.

1. Measurement areas
If you use it well, the digital thermometer is a perfect tool to determine if there is a fever quickly and safely . In addition, it can be used in different areas of the body but, depending on where you do it, the result may vary slightly. You can take body temperature in these areas:

The rectum . When you take the temperature rectally, it is considered that there is a fever from 37.6ºC . This area is recommended for babies and children under 6 years of age.
In the mouth . We can consider fever when the marked temperature rises from 37.3ºC . This area is the most appropriate for adolescents and adults.
The armpit . It is considered a fever from 37.2ºC . You can measure the temperature in this area in children from 6 years old. In fact, it is the most common and where most people measure their body temperature.

2. Measurement method
First of all, make sure that the device is in good condition and is not broken or without batteries, or the result will be unreliable. In addition, you should clean the bulb of the thermometer with a cotton pad soaked in antiseptic alcohol before and after using it. When turning on the thermometer, place it in the area when no measurement appears on the screen. Lastly, monitor the measurement by holding the thermometer when you put it in your mouth or rectum, otherwise it could give an erroneous reading.

3. Rectal temperature measurement
The next step is to choose in which area you are going to place the thermometer. Within the types of thermometer, the mercury one is very reliable, but it is more fragile and dangerous, although it is more accurate. If you decide to place your digital thermometer in the rectum, you should apply a little Vaseline on the bulb to insert it easily and without hurting us. Hold the thermometer while you take the measurement and remember that if it is a child you must insert it 2 cm and 3 cm in the case of an adult . Remove the device when the beep sounds indicating that you have already taken your body temperature.

4. Measurement of oral temperature
If you are going to measure the temperature in the mouth, make sure that you do it 30 minutes after the meal and before ingesting a drink. The correct way to do this is to lift your tongue and close your mouth as you would normally. Hold the thermometer loosely with your teeth or lips, just holding so it doesn't fall off and wait for the beep to remove it.

5. Measurement of axillary temperature
If you take your body temperature in your armpit, it is important not to have a shirt . Place the thermometer under your armpit and bend your arm against your chest to hold it. Try not to move it and remove it when you hear the signal. Do not take the temperature after taking a bath or when you have been warm for a long time, this could affect the result.

6. Body temperature
If after taking the temperature there is a fever, it is best to consult your doctor, especially if it is above 40ºC and persists for more than 48 hours.

How to know if a digital thermometer works well

Depending on the types of thermometer, you should verify that you are taking the temperature by following the instructions to the letter. These are the most obvious signs that your digital thermometer is failing:

'LO' appears on the display . This means low temperature and has nothing to do with the battery, so you don't have to worry. This is because the room temperature is about 21ºC, while the body temperature should be between 35.8ºC and 36.9ºC. Thus, any value higher than 37ºC indicates fever and a value lower than 35.6ºC will indicate an error. If you take body temperature in your mouth, remember to place it under your tongue before turning it on.

The stack has run out . If your thermometer doesn't beep or doesn't turn on, read the instructions for changing the battery.

It may be that you take two body temperature measurements and they are different. It is not necessary to take the temperature twice, unlike with voltage, but if you do it and different results appear, the first reading will be the closest to the real temperature .

You can do a test run if you don't know how to take the temperature correctly. Also, if you want to make sure your thermometer works well, there are apps that show you how to do both .

It may happen, depending on the types of thermometer you use, that you have other problems such as the screen flickering, the power button is loose, or anything else that is not normal. In that case, you can consult with your pharmacist or where you have purchased it, they will solve all your doubts, whether about a pacifier, by ear, in front or of any kind.