How to read a thermometer
Recently, with the increase in seasonal influenza and respiratory illnesses, the frequency of thermometer use has increased significantly. How to correctly read thermometer data has become one of the hot topics. This article will combine the hot content of the entire network in the past 10 days, introduce in detail the reading methods of various types of thermometers, and provide structured data for reference.
1. Common thermometer types and reading methods
Thermometers currently on the market are mainly divided into the following three categories. Their reading methods and precautions are as follows:
| Thermometer type | Reading method | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| mercury thermometer | 1. Throw it below 35℃ 2. Hold it under your arm for 5 minutes 3. Turn horizontally to observe the top of the silver liquid column | • Avoid breakage leading to mercury leakage • Alcohol disinfection after use |
| electronic thermometer | 1. Wait for the "beep" sound prompt after powering on. 2. Automatically display numbers after measurement 3. Record values with decimal points | • Replace batteries regularly • Stay still while measuring |
| Infrared forehead thermometer | 1. 1-3cm from the forehead 2. Press the measurement button for 1 second 3. Read screen numbers directly | • Avoid interference from direct sunlight • Need to adapt to the temperature indoors in winter |
2. Health Standard Reference for Body Temperature Readings
According to the latest health guidelines issued by the World Health Organization, there are differences in the normal body temperature ranges of different age groups:
| age group | Normal range(℃) | low fever | high fever |
|---|---|---|---|
| newborn | 36.5-37.5 | 37.6-38.0 | ≥38.1 |
| children | 36.3-37.2 | 37.3-38.0 | ≥38.1 |
| adult | 36.0-37.0 | 37.1-38.0 | ≥38.1 |
3. Recent hot discussions on the use of thermometers
1.Temperature measurement error controversy: The Weibo topic #forehead temperature gun is not accurate # has been read 120 million times. Experts suggest that in cold environments, the instrument should be allowed to adapt to room temperature first.
2.Mercury thermometer elimination process: According to the latest EU regulations, the sale of mercury-containing thermometers will be completely banned from 2025, and sales of domestic substitutes have increased by 300% year-on-year.
3.Intelligent body temperature monitoring equipment: A certain brand of wearable body temperature patch has been on JD.com’s best-selling list for seven consecutive days and supports 24-hour dynamic monitoring.
4. Tips for correct readings
1.Best measurement time: After getting up in the morning, after taking a nap, and before going to bed at night are the three most accurate measurement periods.
2.Outlier handling: If a single measurement is abnormal, the test should be repeated 30 minutes apart. If there are three consecutive abnormalities, it is recommended to seek medical treatment.
3.Equipment calibration: The electronic thermometer should be calibrated once a month with a standard thermometer. If the error exceeds 0.2°C, it needs to be replaced.
4.Reading record: It is recommended to use a table to record daily body temperature changes to facilitate observation of trends:
| Date | morning | noon | night | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-12-01 | 36.5 | 36.8 | 37.0 | normal |
| 2023-12-02 | 36.7 | 37.3 | 37.5 | low fever |
5. Precautions for temperature measurement of special groups of people
1.infants: Use rectal temperature measurement first, and subtract 0.5°C from the value as the actual body temperature.
2.elderly: The basal body temperature is low, and you need to be alert if it is above 37.2℃.
3.postoperative patients: Avoid using infrared temperature measurement near wounds. It is recommended to use oral measurement.
Through the above structured data and detailed instructions, I believe you have mastered the correct reading methods of various types of thermometers. During the season of high disease incidence, accurate monitoring of body temperature is an important part of health management. If you encounter persistent fever, please consult a professional medical institution in time.
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