The Clinical Thermometer

Purpose

A clinical thermometer is designed specifically to measure human body temperature.

Digital vs. Mercury

• Mercury Thermometers: Formerly used. They contain mercury, a toxic liquid that is difficult to dispose of if the glass breaks.
• Digital Thermometers: Now preferred. They use heat sensors and display the temperature on a screen. They are safe and easy to read.

Normal Body Temperature

The normal temperature of a healthy human body is taken to be $37.0^{\circ}\text{C}$.

• Note: This is an average. A healthy person might have a temperature slightly higher or lower.
• Safe range: Human temperature usually stays between $35^{\circ}\text{C}$ and $42^{\circ}\text{C}$.

How to Use a Digital Clinical Thermometer

1. Wash the tip with soap and water.
2. Reset the thermometer (press the button).
3. Place the tip under the tongue and close your mouth.
4. Wait for the beep/flash.
5. Read the value on the display.
6. Clean and dry before storing.

Precautions

• Read the instruction manual.
• Do not submerge the digital display part in water (unless waterproof).
• Do not hold the thermometer by the tip (sensor).