Using a thermometer to figure out your accurate body temperature is one of the most optimum ways to figure out if you have a fever or not. However, different parts of our body may have different temperatures at any given time. Therefore, it is very important to know the right way to use a thermometer in order to figure out any underlying infections. Below mentioned are the most effective ways that can be used to evaluate your temperature, using a thermometer.
Axillary Method: This method is generally used to check the temperature of newborns or small children. In this method, you are supposed to place the tip of medical thermometers in the center of the armpit. Tuck the arm around the armpits and wait for approximately 1 minute. You can then remove the thermometer and check the temperature reading.
Oral Method: This method is usually preferred for children above 5 years of age. In this method, the tip of a thermometer is placed below the tongue of the person. Close the mouth and let the thermometer remain as it is for at least 1 minute. Thereafter, you can remove the thermometer and check the temperature reading.
Tympanic Method: This method is recommended for children who are at least 2 years old. However, this method is known to produce the most inaccurate temperature reading on medical thermometers, even when the right method is followed. In this method, the thermometer is carefully inserted inside the year until the ear canal is completely sealed. Let the thermometer stay for around 1 minute. Remove the thermometer thereafter and look for the temperature readings.
Rectal Method: Checking body temperature through the rectal method can be effective for all age groups. However, this method should be followed only if you are comfortable with the complete process. In this method, the tip of the thermometer is covered with petroleum jelly and thereafter inserted into the rectum around 1 inch, while holding it still with your fingers. After leaving the thermometer in place for around 1 minute, you can remove it to check the temperature reading.
All of the above-mentioned methods can be used to check your body temperature. However, before using any of these methods, it is very important to carefully read the instructions that are provided over the thermometer by individual medical thermometers, to check for viability of using any of the above-mentioned methods, that too, the right way.
