Utilizing a Glass Thermometer

Glass thermometers were once widely used, but digital thermometers have now become more common. Opting for a digital thermometer over a glass one is advisable due to safety concerns associated with glass thermometers. They are prone to breakage, which can lead to injuries, and some may contain mercury, a poisonous substance. Glass thermometers containing mercury are no longer recommended. However, if a glass thermometer is your only option, take necessary precautions to ensure safety.

Choose a glass thermometer that does not contain mercury. Opting for a mercury-free glass thermometer is preferable if possible. Check the packaging to confirm whether it contains mercury or not. While non-mercury thermometers are safer as they cannot leak mercury, a mercury thermometer can also be safe if thoroughly inspected for cracks or leaks.

Choose between using a rectal or oral thermometer. These thermometers feature different tips designed for the comfort of the person whose temperature is being taken. Look for a rounded tip on a rectal thermometer or a longer, narrow tip for an oral thermometer.

• They are often color-coded on the opposite end, with red indicating anal and green indicating oral.
• You can also refer to the packaging to identify the type of thermometer.

Clean the thermometer with soap and water. Utilize cool water along with any type of hand or dish soap to clean the thermometer. Gently rub the soap up and down the thermometer, then rinse it thoroughly under running water to remove any soap residue.

• Avoid using hot water to prevent damaging the thermometer.
• Alternatively, you can cleanse the thermometer by wiping it down thoroughly with rubbing alcohol and then rinsing it off.

Shake the thermometer to reset the temperature. Glass thermometers may not reset automatically after use. Grasp the thermometer at the end opposite the tip and swing it back and forth. Verify that the temperature drops below at least 96.8 °F (36.0 °C); it should be lower than the average body temperature.

• Exercise caution to avoid striking the thermometer against any surface while shaking, as this could cause the glass to shatter.

Take a rectal temperature for children aged 3 or younger. Opt for a mercury-free thermometer whenever possible. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to lubricate the tip. Position the child on their back with their legs raised. Gently insert the tip into the rectum, going approximately 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) in. Do not force it if you encounter resistance. Keep the thermometer steady throughout the reading to avoid inserting it further into the body.

• Ensure the baby or child remains still to prevent the thermometer from breaking.
• Children may bite down on a thermometer placed in their mouth, risking breakage. Therefore, refrain from using a glass thermometer orally. Additionally, rectal temperature readings are the most accurate for children.
• Recent research suggests that temporal artery readings (taken on the forehead) are a safe, comfortable, and accurate alternative to rectal temperature measurements in newborns and young children. If a temporal thermometer is available, use it instead. Unfortunately, a temporal reading cannot be obtained with a glass thermometer.

Position the thermometer under the arm for a quick estimate. For an axillary reading, use either an oral or rectal thermometer. Elevate the arm and place the thermometer so that its tip is centered directly in the armpit. Instruct the individual to press their arm firmly against their body.

• If the thermometer indicates a fever, confirm the temperature with an oral or rectal reading, depending on the person's age. Axillary readings may not provide an exact temperature.
• This method is convenient for promptly assessing whether a baby or young child has a fever.

Opt for an oral thermometer for individuals over 4 years old and adults. Insert the thermometer tip under the person's tongue, positioned toward the back of the mouth. Encourage them to close their lips around the thermometer while it adjusts to their body temperature.

• While this technique is accurate, some children may find it challenging to hold the thermometer in place. There is also a risk of younger children biting down and damaging the thermometer.
• To obtain the most precise reading, wait 15 minutes before taking the person's temperature if they have recently consumed food or beverages.

Allow the thermometer to remain in position for 2-4 minutes. The duration varies depending on the measurement location. For rectal thermometers, 2-3 minutes is sufficient, while oral or axillary measurements require 3-4 minutes.

• When withdrawing the thermometer, avoid shaking it, as this could impact the accuracy of the reading.

Hold the thermometer horizontally to interpret the readings. Position it at eye level, with the liquid end directly in front of you. Observe the longer lines, each representing 1 °F (or 1 °C), and the shorter lines, indicating 0.2 °F (or 0.1 °C) increments. Identify the closest number to the liquid's end, counting the smaller lines if necessary.

• For example, if the liquid extends beyond the larger 100 °F (38 °C) mark by 2 smaller lines, the temperature is 100.4 °F (38.0 °C).

Identify whether the individual is experiencing elevated body temperature. Typically, an indication of fever in either yourself or your child is a temperature reaching or surpassing 100.4 °F (38.0 °C) when measured rectally, 100 °F (38 °C) orally, or 99 °F (37 °C) axillary. These thresholds denote the minimum temperatures considered indicative of fever.

• Contact your pediatrician if your infant is below 3 months old and registers a fever based on a rectal reading.
• If your infant is between 3-6 months old and presents a temperature of 102 °F (39 °C), consult your doctor, especially if accompanied by additional symptoms like lethargy or irritability. Contact your doctor irrespective of the temperature exceeding 102 °F (39 °C).
• Should your toddler have a temperature of 102 °F (39 °C) and falls within the age range of 6 to 24 months, contact your doctor if the fever persists beyond a day. Additionally, contact your doctor if other symptoms such as coughing or diarrhea manifest.
• For older children or adults, seek medical attention if the temperature registers at 103 °F (39 °C) or higher.

Sanitize the thermometer before storing it. Clean it with cool water and soap, paying particular attention to the tip while rubbing the entire length of the thermometer. Thoroughly rinse with water once cleaning is complete.

• Failure to clean the thermometer may introduce germs to subsequent users.

• If you wish to dispose of an old mercury thermometer, contact poison control or your local health department to determine the appropriate disposal method.
• Although glass thermometers suffice when no alternatives are available, digital thermometers offer greater speed and convenience. For the swiftest and most effortless temperature reading, consider a digital tympanic (ear) or temporal (forehead) thermometer if possible.

• Prior to utilizing the thermometer, always inspect it for any cracks or leaks.
• In the event of a mercury thermometer breakage, contact poison control for further guidance. If it's a non-mercury thermometer, it's harmless, so you can clean it with paper towels.