\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Traditional thermometers measure the temperature using mercury, but you can make your own at home with just water and rubbing alcohol. They are also safe, since they can withstand temperature extremes without breaking. Insert the Thermometer in the Appropriate Location Take a rectal temperature if the person is under … However, with just a few minutes and a few supplies, you can help protect your family from the spread of germs. In the past it was a big problem because mercury thermometers needed a long time to measure the temperature. They don’t require batteries. read more . wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Mercury thermometers are designed utilizing the idea that mercury expands with heat. Look for the liquid level inside the straw and use a permanent marker to draw a line on the bottle. You should choose a thermometer that is easy to use and read. c. “Crack the Whip.” Shake the thermometer down using quick, sharp, downward wrist motions (figure 2-2). A quick rinse under cold water won't kill the bacteria that can spread to others. Mayo Clinic You can also cleanse the thermometer by wiping it down thoroughly with rubbing alcohol and then rinsing it off. Do this by holding the thermometer firmly and flicking the wrist until the mercury reads at or below the lowest number. Mercury-free, these calibrated thermometers conform to ASTM standards for methods specified in the ordering table below. Now, place the bulb end of the thermometer under the tongue and ask the person to close his mouth - Standard precautions like washing hands and wearing gloves if appropriate. Mercury is toxic if inhaled or if the liquid touches the skin. It uses the resistance created by a temperature-sensitive metal when an electrical current is passed through it to make a measurement. Warnings. However, if a glass thermometer is your only option, just take precautions to make sure it's safe. Medical doctors often use a version known as the maximum mercury thermometer to measure human body temperature. Hold the baby or child still so that the thermometer doesn't break. Mercury is a dangerous metal. Locate visible mercury beads. Thermometers such as mercury thermometers, alcohol in glass thermometer, constant pressure gas thermometers, and platinum resistance thermometers are designed on the basis of technology. A thermometer is an instrument that measures the temperature of any solid, liquid or gaseous matter. How Often to Disinfect a Thermometer . Shake down the mercury in a glass thermometer before placing it under the tongue. More Buying Choices $16.39 (2 new offers) FSA or HSA eligible. 4.1 out of 5 stars 136. Remove the thermometer and read it. Insert thermometer only after applying lubricant like petroleum jelly or other water-based lubricants. If you want to get rid of an old mercury thermometer, call poison control or your local health department to find out the best way to dispose of it. - Rotate the thermometer until you can clearly see the number and the lines between the numbers, much like on a    ruler Last Updated: April 1, 2019 5. … * Long lines indicate 1 degree. 99. With the mercury level shows on the calibration, we can read the measurement results. Alcohol thermometer and mercury thermometer are two types of thermometers that are composed of a bulb filled with a liquid and a capillary tube connected to the bulb. Ensure thermometer is away from people and objects before shaking. The vacuum will put mercury into the air and increase exposure. FREE Delivery. The use of mercury thermometers is discouraged these days , with digital thermometers being the preferred option, however as long as they are used safely they can still be useful. Learn more... Glass thermometers were once common, but now various types of digital thermometers are more prevalent. If your child is 3-6 months and is running a temperature of 102 °F (39 °C), talk to your doctor, particularly if your child is showing other symptoms like lethargy or crankiness. These can all be used orally, rectally, or in the armpit. If a mercury-containing thermometer is broken, do not clean up the spilled mercury with a vacuum cleaner. 1. When we are using the mercury thermometer for body temperature measurement, the mercury store in the base of the thermometer expands and raises in the narrow tube. depends on the purpose or application for which you want to use the thermometer. How to use iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer PT3? Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. How to Read a Mercury Glass Thermometer? The tube is sealed on both sides and from inside her deflated air. 0 0. * Short lines indicate 0.2 degree. Mercury thermometers will not be seen for much longer in people’s homes. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Today's digital thermometers are faster. Mercury thermometers are utilized in households, laboratory experiments, and industrial applications. Label the water level at room temperature. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This can happen when the glass breaks and mercury is released. If a person drinks something hot or cold, one still needs to wait before testing their oral temperature. An exception is on the high end of the temperature scale. This article has been viewed 45,567 times. Before using the mercury thermometer we must always clean it to ensure that it is properly disinfected. Most Common Uses. Better accuracy for temperature … By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Consider getting a digital thermometer instead. Electronic components in the thermometer can take very accurate and fast temperature readings. (A resistance thermometer is the name given to a device using this form of measurement.) One gram of mercury per year deposited in a 20-acre lake is enough to raise the levels of mercury … The temperature should be read to the closest line. Note: Mercury can move surprising distances on hard-flat surfaces, so be sure to inspect the entire room, including any cracks in … 1. If you don't clean it, you could introduce germs to the next person who uses it. 4  This method is accurate, but it can be difficult for some kids to hold it in place properly. How to Dispose of Mercury if Thermometer Breaks. 2. - Read Mercury Thermometer at Eye level - experiencing chills or rigors or if her teeth are chattering - using a nasogastric tube for feedings - injured or bleeding orally/has pain and/or sores in the mouth Because different models may have slightly different reading methods, one should first read manufacturer�s directions which comes with all mercury thermometers. Skin contact treatment. [1] Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. One should read mercury thermometer immediately after taking the temperature. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. - unconscious or not responsive or on seizure precautions. Wait until it beeps or flashes. Watch the video below to understand the effect of temperature on matters surrounding us. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Avoid mistakes as it could result in inappropriate therapy. Call the doctor if your child is under 3 months and running a fever based on a rectal reading. Step-1 Aim the thermometer probe at the center of the forehead from less than 1.18 in (3cm) away. Sit your child on your lap, facing away from you. A medical mercury-in-glass maximum thermometer showing the temperature of 38.7 °C. Do not use alcohol swab before reading    the temperature. These sorts of thermometers are most commonly used in medicine and meteorology. However, as long as you inspect the thermometer to ensure there are no cracks or leaks, a mercury thermometer should also be safe. Don't use hot water, as you could rupture the thermometer. Be very careful using a glass thermometer … This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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