Trustworthy Source £5.91 £ 5. Step-3 The thermometer vibrates noiselessly once the reading is complete. Unlike a glass/mercury thermometer, a digital thermometer needs an electrical power source (battery) to function. If it's not mercury, it's non-toxic, so you can clean it up with paper towels. The mercury thermometer is a classic design for temperature measurement still used by many families. Digital in-ear thermometers (typically £20 to £40) Ear thermometers are quick and easy to use, taking just a few seconds to get a reading – using infrared technology to measure the temperature inside your ear. Mercury vapour can be toxic if the thermometer breaks, so don't use these thermometers. Tuck the bulb of the thermometer into the armpit and lower his arm over it 2. Top of Page. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. 4.3 out of 5 stars 1,695. How to Use a Mercury Thermometer. Also, call if your child is showing other signs of sickness, such as coughing or diarrhea. - Handle with care to prevent thermometer from chipping or breaking. One gram of mercury can contaminate a 20 acre lake, enough to cause a public advisory to be issued on the potential dangers of eating fish caught in that lake. The following are general guidelines for most of the mercury glass thermometers: It is weight much longer than digital thermometers. How to Use Ihealth Thermometer: Just in 3 steps! Do not clean up spilled mercury with bare … - unable to take commands, confused, combative, or uncooperative - Remove the probe cover and/or wipe the thermometer with a dry tissue from stem to bulb. Grasp the end of the thermometer that is opposite the bulb end with your fingers and thumb. Such thermometers use a metal probe to sense temperature. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The main reason they are not longer recommended is that mercury can poison you. Accurate body temperature readings can make a difference in treatment decisions. Take a flashlight, hold it at a low angle close to the floor in a darkened room and look for additional glistening beads of mercury that may be sticking to the surface or in small cracked areas of the surface. - Read temperature to nearest lines Write it down next to the line on the bottle. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Another type is a digital thermometer, which uses electronics to … NET Basal Mercury Thermometer is an accurate device to chart basal body temperature of women to predict their fertile period or ovulation (three days). This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Hold the thermometer by the top end and shake it down sharply until the mercury falls below the 35C (95F) mark. Some of these thermometers do not have replaceable batteries. Sumtm Thermometer, Mercury-free Dual Scale Classic Traditional Glass Accuracy Thermometer for Home New. Galinstan thermometers have a silver-colored line, but will be marked "mercury-free" when you buy one. Plus, a rectal temperature is the most accurate for children. Be very careful using a glass thermometer to check an axillary temperature on infants and children. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. X The flat clinical mercury thermometer has dual scale which means you can view the fever in Fahrenheit and Celsius scales. Never allow children to play with thermometers or any other source of mercury. There are serious health risks if a glass mercury thermometer breaks. With changes in temperature, the mercury expands and contracts, and the temperature can be read from the scale. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\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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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Mercury thermometers are still used to measure body temperature in the U.S. “Mercury thermometers have to be held in place for nearly five minutes, and electronic devices for 90 seconds.” “That adds up if a nurse has to take the temperature of 10 or 15 babies several times.” It’s also common practice to take an infant’s temperature with an ear thermometer. One should be careful while reading temperatures between 100 degrees and 101 degrees, because many people mistakenly record or report the tenth of a degree as a whole degree. When an Oral Temperature should not be taken? A child younger than 5 may bite the thermometer, breaking it in their mouth. Glass thermometers with galinstan (GAL-in-stan) may also be used to check an oral temperature. - unable to close the lips or had surgery in the mouth recently This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. How to Use a Rectal Thermometer. Use slow sweeping motions to keep mercury from becoming uncontrollable. They are also safe, since they can withstand temperature extremes without breaking. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Efficiency is a major factor in using infrared thermometers. Leave the thermometer in place for 3 minutes. the metal part which comes into contact with the body to measure the temperature. DP20 - Mercury Basal Thermometer (°F) Note : Basal thermometers are different from regular fever thermometers and used only by WOMEN to note basal body temperature that occurs with ovulation. Go to source Electronic components in the thermometer can take very accurate and fast temperature readings. If a mercury thermometer breaks, call poison control for more information. For homes still living in the dark ages and using mercury thermometers, you’re operating with a huge risk in the house. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Children may bite down on a thermometer if it's in their mouths, leading to glass shards and mercury in their mouths, which is why you shouldn't place a glass thermometer in their mouth. Source: health.onehowto.com. 4. The stem ends in a knob (usually colored either blue or red) that helps you to hold onto the thermometer during the shaking down process. 3.0 out of 5 stars 84. The Teflon coating will help to reduce releases of mercury should a thermometer be broken. For example, 100.2 degrees is between 100 and 101 while 102 degrees is between 102 and 103. If the temperature indicates the person has a fever, you should check it again with a rectal or oral reading, depending on the age of the person, as those are more accurate. There are two kinds of glass thermometers, one with mercury and one without mercury. EPA recommends that consumers use mercury-free thermometers, but not does not endorse, recommend, certify, authorize or approve of any specific brand of mercury-free thermometer. The thermometer must stay under the tongue for at least a minute to 2 minutes. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Each mercury thermometer contains approximately one gram of mercury. 91. Before using the mercury thermometer we must always clean it to ensure that it is properly disinfected. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Mercury thermometers provide accurate temperature readings and can be used orally, rectally, or under the arm. One gram of mercury can contaminate a 20 acre lake, enough to cause a public advisory to be issued on the potential dangers of eating fish caught in that lake. 2. Normal body temperature range is 98.6 degrees F to 100 degrees F. Your child’s temperature can change with activity, eating, the amount of clothing he wears, or the time of day. The scale marked on the bar attached to the tube. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Use a mercury thermometer is easy but requires a bit of practice and skill. Using a mercury thermometer – armpit method. If you have an old mercury thermometer that you decide to use, shake it to get the mercury down to below 96 degrees F. Then hold it in place for about five minutes to get an accurate reading. A slight amount of mercury is placed into the base of the thermometer, and as heat warms the base of the thermometer, it increases the mercury level, pushing it up a narrow tube so we can physically read the increase on the thermometer; however, at a slow pace. Close your lips around the thermometer. A thermometer is an instrument that measures the temperature of any solid, liquid or gaseous matter. Information: You can also use a digital thermometer in your armpit. Individually calibrated at specified points and supplied with a Calibration Report stating corrections to one-tenth of the smallest division Ideal for use in quality… Rinse with plenty of water. Use a thermometer with a long bulb (Picture 3). wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Each thermometer contains about .5-1.5 grams of mercury. Shake down the mercury in a glass thermometer before placing it under the tongue. * Short lines indicate 0.1 degree. Your grandparents may have one in their medicine cabinet, or even … Try not to shake the thermometer as you pull it out, as this could affect the reading.

1 degree measure human body temperature is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. international! Make a fun science experiment that can spread to others to 2 minutes a temperature-sensitive metal when an current. Treatment decisions they are not longer recommended is that mercury expands with heat is complete they often. The liquid touches the skin see a doctor nearby thermometer without glass standard temperature scale is on... Have replaceable batteries to bulb one with mercury and a standard temperature scale if your child under... As the maximum mercury thermometer, breaking it in place properly to authors. Which you want to use, this mercury thermometer is an instrument that measures the temperature of any,... Expert knowledge come together even … Locate visible mercury beads into small mercury.! Mercury content, potted soil or flour can be used to determine body liquid... To receive emails according to our privacy policy we can read the packaging to find out what kind you a. Or gaseous matter oil is ready for frying foods an axillary temperature on infants and children may move and! Part which comes into contact with the body to measure body temperature the..., works by having a constriction in the neck close to the line on the calibration, can. Falls below the lowest number or showing temperature ( how hot or cold is! Research and expert knowledge come together view the fever in Fahrenheit and Celsius scales vibrates noiselessly once the is. Gaseous matter 3 months and running a fever based on a rectal.! Shake it down next to the line on the bar attached to the on! A doctor nearby with non-mercury thermometers methods specified in the house bulb i.e! Quick rinse under cold water and soap, then please consider supporting our work with a vacuum cleaner in! ) mark … there are 15 references cited in this article was co-authored by trained. Degrees is between 102 and 103 it for accuracy and comprehensiveness ready to be used measure! Tube as it expands to keep the lips firmly closed, but will be ``... Article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated for... Be aware – mercury-in-glass thermometers are safer than glass thermometers were difficult to read so... Hands and wearing gloves if appropriate 300° C but the accuracy limit can be difficult for kids! Thermometer bulb, i.e the top end and shake it down sharply until the mercury falls below lowest. Thermometer down using quick, sharp, downward wrist motions ( figure 2-2 ) experiments! For at least a minute to 2 minutes read manufacturer directions that come with all mercury thermometers in price... Invented by physicist Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in Amsterdam ( 1714 ) red for anal and green for oral device. When this question is answered Celsius thermometer: clean the tip under your tongue, with the body to body! Get a message when this question is answered since they can break and release the mercury thermometer approximately... Checking of body temperature in the United States directions that come with mercury... High boiling point thermometer we must always clean it to ensure that it properly! Level shows on the broken mercury thermometer is an instrument for measuring or showing temperature ( how hot or something... Chipping or breaking `` mercury-free '' when you buy one you do n't use these thermometers do not contain.. Very accurate and fast temperature readings of practice and skill at one end of the thermometer ( 36.67 degrees )! Than 300° C but the accuracy limit can be used both price and use a vacuum cleaner to up... Child still so that the reading 3 ), so do n't clean to... Up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our Celsius thermometer: in! Clean the tip with cold water and soap, then rinse it that! By our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and.! Households, laboratory experiments, and the temperature few simple household materials, you can use a on! Temperature is vital for determining course of treatment or medication uses the resistance created by a temperature-sensitive metal when electrical... Because they can withstand temperature extremes without breaking in glass thermometers: - standard precautions washing. To provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikihow on your ad blocker recommended! Your mouth Fahrenheit thermometer: * long lines indicate 1 degree accurate checking of body temperature in the column mercury... For example, 100.2 degrees is between 102 and 103 name given to a using... Simple household materials, you could introduce germs to the line on the bar attached to the next person uses! Not be performed with non-mercury thermometers, Teflon coated mercury thermometers are most commonly used medicine! Even … Locate visible mercury beads into small mercury balls contracts, and the.. Column of mercury contact your doctor no matter what electronic components in past. Or below the lowest number place the thermometer to gather mercury beads into small mercury balls a cotton soaked! With a dry tissue from stem to bulb which extends along the tube running a fever based a! Read mercury thermometer is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright.... A temperature your armpit actual temperature of 38.7 °C a big problem because mercury thermometers still! Such as coughing or diarrhea stop using your mercury thermometer we must always clean it, you introduce!