Purpose
A Clinical Thermometer is designed specifically to measure human body temperature.
Types
- Mercury Thermometer: Traditional glass tube with mercury. Mercury is toxic and hard to dispose of if broken.
- Digital Thermometer: Modern, safe, uses heat sensors, and displays temperature on a digital screen. Recommended for use.
Features
- Range: Usually from 35°C to 42°C.
- Reason: Human body temperature never goes below 35°C or above 42°C under normal/survivable conditions.
- Normal Temperature: The average body temperature of a healthy person is 37.0°C (or 98.6°F).
Note
Did you know? The “normal” temperature is actually an average. A healthy person might have a temperature slightly higher or lower than 37.0°C.
How to use a Digital Clinical Thermometer
- Wash: Clean the tip with soap and water before use.
- Reset: Press the reset/power button.
- Place: Put the tip under the tongue (or in the armpit for children/elderly).
- Wait: Wait for the beep sound.
- Read: Check the display.
- Clean: Wash the tip again after use.
Precautions
- Read the instruction manual.
- Keep the digital display portion away from water while washing (if not waterproof).
- Do not hold the thermometer by the tip (sensor).