How much to measure the temperature with a mercury thermometer. How to correctly measure the temperature for children and adults with an electronic or mercury thermometer - an algorithm and methods

Correct thermometer readings are very important for determining the tactics of treating the disease. It is not for nothing that many are wondering how much to hold a thermometer under the arm, because it depends on how correctly the measurement is made.

Measurement methods

Today, the most popular method is measuring the temperature in the armpit. However, this is far from the only way... Measurements can also be carried out in the following areas:

in the rectum;
behind the ear (using an infrared thermometer);
v oral cavity;
under the knee.

How long does it take to measure? It depends on two factors: the aforementioned measurement methods and the type of thermometer.

Mercury thermometer

A mercury thermometer is an inexpensive and accurate instrument. Among the disadvantages are fragility and a significant amount of time required for measurement, but in terms of accuracy of readings, it is out of competition.

How many minutes do you need to hold a mercury thermometer:

rectally or in the mouth - 5 minutes;
under the arm - 10 minutes;
under the knee - 10 minutes.

Such a device is much more expensive, and it is not as accurate as a mercury thermometer, but the temperature measurement procedure is much shorter.

The time required for the measurement does not even need to be detected, because the device at the end of the process will emit a sound signal, notifying that the measurement is complete. This usually happens after 1–3 minutes, regardless of the measurement method.

Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of electronic nipple thermometers for babies. With such a gadget, the procedure will not cause any concern for the crumbs, because he will perceive the device as an ordinary nipple.

Infrared thermometer

It is a non-contact device that just needs to be brought to the area behind the ear or to the forehead, and it will give accurate readings. The cost of such a gadget is quite high, but its usability is difficult to dispute.

First of all, comfort is associated with the duration of the procedure: measuring the temperature with an infrared thermometer will take no more than 5 seconds, and besides, it is absolutely safe.

Disposable thermometer

A travel thermometer is a strip that is held on your forehead or placed under your tongue. The body temperature is determined after a minute using the colored divisions on the strip.

You should not expect an accurate result from such a device, however, it is ideal for determining indicators on the road.

To obtain reliable indicators, it is not enough to know how much you need to hold the thermometer; you also need to carry out the measurement procedure correctly. So, if you measure body temperature with mercury or electronic thermometer, then adhere to the following rules:

When measuring temperature, make sure that the skin is not wet. It is known that a person sweating will have an overestimated value.
When measuring under the arm, you need to press your hand to the body and hold the inserted thermometer tightly. Then the question will not arise: "Why is the temperature on the thermometer minimal, because I have been holding it for a long time?"
If the measurement is made under the knee, then 10 minutes need to hold the device with a bent leg. In this case, you need to lie down.
Measuring temperature small child, you need to first warm the thermometer in your hands so as not to frighten the baby with a touch of a cold object. It is most convenient to take measurements under the arm while the baby is sleeping.
Children can use the thermometer rectally. An electronic device is better suited for this. Firstly, it is not so traumatic, and secondly, the procedure time with it is shorter. However, it should be borne in mind that the temperature in the rectum is slightly higher than, for example, under the arm.
It must be remembered that older mercury thermometers are slower to respond to changes in readings, so they take longer to measure.
Shake the mercury thermometer in sharp, short strokes between your index and thumb. In this case, the column should drop to a mark of approximately 35.5 degrees. It is best to do this over a soft surface to avoid damage to the thermometer in the event of a fall.
After the procedure, rinse the device with cool water.
Use the same thermometer to re-measure.

Now you know how to correctly measure the temperature, how long to hold the device under the arm, under the knee, etc. This knowledge is needed by every adult who takes care of their own health and the health of their children.

The effectiveness and correctness of therapy depends on how responsibly you approach the issue of measuring temperature. We hope that our advice will help you get the right readings and start the treatment you need immediately.

Body temperature is checked in different ways:

Rectally - in the rectum.
Orally - in the mouth.
Under the arm.
On the forehead - infrared scanners are used to check the artery.
In the ear - also with the help of scanners.

For each method, there are electronic thermometers specially designed for each location. There are plenty to choose from. But there is also a problem: cheap (sometimes not very cheap) devices often lie or fail. Therefore, when choosing an electronic thermometer, do not save money, be sure to read the reviews and at least once check the mercury readings.

The latter, by the way, is preferred by many. The maximum mercury thermometer (this is the correct name for a thermometer) costs a penny and is quite accurate, which cannot be said about many electronic devices with “so-so” quality. However, it is dangerous because it is easy, and shards of glass and mercury vapor did not make anyone healthier.

It doesn't matter which thermometer you use, read the instructions for it first.

After each use, it would be good to clean the thermometer: wash it, if possible, or wipe it with an antiseptic. Be careful if the thermometer is sensitive to moisture and may deteriorate. It's embarrassing to mention, but still, a rectal thermometer shouldn't be used anywhere else.

How to measure your armpit temperature

Most often, we measure the temperature under the arm with a conventional mercury or electronic thermometer. Here's how to do it right:

You can not measure the temperature after eating and physical activity. Wait half an hour.
Before starting the measurement, the glass thermometer must be shaken off: the mercury column should show less than 35 ° C. If the thermometer is electronic, just turn it on.
The armpit should be dry. Sweat must be wiped off.
Keep your hand tight. For the temperature under the armpit to become the same as inside the body, the skin must heat up, and this takes time. It is better to press the child's shoulder on your own, for example, taking the baby in your arms.
The good news: if you follow the previous rule, a mercury thermometer will take 5 minutes, and not 10, as is commonly believed. Many electronic thermometers react to temperature changes and measure as long as there are changes. Therefore, if the hand is not pressed, the temperature can change for a long time and the results will be inaccurate.

How to measure temperature rectally

This method is sometimes needed when it is necessary to check the temperature of babies: it is difficult for them to hold their hand, it is unsafe to put something in their mouth, and it is expensive infrared sensor not everyone has.

The part of the thermometer that you will enter into the rectum must be lubricated with petroleum jelly or petroleum jelly (sold at any pharmacy).
Lay the child on his side or back, bend his legs.
Gently insert the thermometer into the anus 1.5–2.5 cm (depending on the size of the sensor), hold the child while the measurement is in progress. A mercury thermometer should be kept for 2 minutes, an electronic thermometer - as long as it is written in the instructions (usually less than a minute).
Remove the thermometer, look at the data.
Treat the baby's skin if necessary. Wash the thermometer.

How to measure the temperature in your mouth

This method is not suitable for children under the age of four, because at this age children still cannot hold the thermometer with a guarantee. Do not measure your mouth temperature if you have eaten something cold in the past 30 minutes.

Wash the thermometer.
Place the sensor or reservoir of mercury under your tongue and hold the thermometer with your lips.
Measure the temperature with an ordinary thermometer for 3 minutes, with an electronic one - as much as necessary according to the instructions.

How to measure the temperature in the ear

For this, there are special infrared thermometers: it is useless to put other thermometers in the ear. For children under 6 months, the temperature in the ear is not measured Age guidelines, because due to the peculiarities of the development, the results will be inaccurate. You can measure the temperature in the ear only 15 minutes after you return from the street.

Pull your ear slightly to the side and insert the thermometer probe into your ear. It takes a few seconds to measure.

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Some infrared devices measure the temperature on the forehead, where the artery passes. Forehead or ear data are not as accurate Fever: First aid, as in other measurements, but they are fast. And for household measurements, it is not so important what your temperature is: 38.3 or 38.5 ° C.

How to read a thermometer reading

The measurement result depends on the accuracy of the thermometer, the correctness of the measurements, and where the measurements were taken.

The temperature in the mouth is 0.3–0.6 ° C higher than that under the arm, the rectal temperature is 0.6–1.2 ° C, and in the ear it is up to 1.2 ° C. That is, 37.5 ° C is an alarming figure for a measurement under the armpit, but not for a rectal one.

Also, the rate depends on age. In children under one year old, rectal up to 37.7 ° C (36.5–37.1 ° C under the arm), and there is nothing wrong with that. The 37.1 ° C under the arm, which we suffer from, becomes a problem with age.

In addition, there are also individual characteristics. The temperature of a healthy adult ranges from 36.1 to 37.2 ° C under the arm, but someone's personal norm is 36.9 ° C, and someone's is 36.1. The difference is big, so in an ideal world it is not bad for the sake of interest to measure your temperature when you are healthy, or at least remember what the thermometer showed there at the medical examination.

What is a thermometer? A familiar medical device is found in almost every apartment. Why it is not difficult to find it in a family with any income (moreover, often in several copies), there is no need to explain, since it is not possible to measure the temperature without a thermometer.

You can touch the patient's forehead with your lips or measure a person's pulse, however, these actions will only help to understand that the temperature is too high, but there is no hope for accurate results. Any working thermometer is an important and necessary subject. This fact does not cause controversy. Disputes over how long a thermometer should be kept is ongoing. Let's try to figure out the optimal time required to determine body temperature.

Types of thermometers
Which thermometer should you choose?

Types of thermometers

Mercury is an inexpensive and most accurate instrument. Its disadvantage is its fragility and long time measurements, but there are no competitors in the accuracy of readings. How much to keep a mercury thermometer depends on the method of measuring the temperature:
- in the rectum or mouth - 5 minutes;
- in the armpit - 10 minutes.
Historical reference. The prototype of the liquid thermometer was the thermoscope invented by Galileo in 1603. After 23 years, Santorio improved this device and measured the temperature of the human body for the first time. The famous Fahrenheit was filled with mercury in 1714. At first he suggested using physical properties alcohol. But I noticed that under the influence of heat, mercury expands more evenly.
Electronic - more expensive and less accurate than mercury instrument, but at the same time it produces the result much faster. Each such gadget emits a sound signal at the end of the temperature measurement, the whole process takes from 2 to 5 minutes.
It is interesting. Thermometer tattoo - variety electronic thermometer for permanent wear on the skin. The personal device was developed by a group of scientists from America, China and Singapore. Outwardly, it is a thin film with golden sensors, reminiscent of a barcode tattoo. It is attached to the skin from the inside of the wrist by means of special glue. Measures body temperature throughout the day. True, it is not yet particularly accurate.
Infrared (non-contact) - it is enough to bring it to the person's forehead or insert it into the ear, the exact temperature data will be known in 5 seconds. The disadvantage of this type of device is the overpriced. Plus - absolute safety and high speed measurements.
New developments. Today, in pharmacies, you can often find thermometers in the form of a pacifier. Unfortunately for producers and parents, not all babies like these options. Some spit them out, others start gnawing ... Korean designers tried to fix the situation. They suggested measuring the temperature with ... lollipop. The most real and quite edible. The thermometer is a stick, at the measuring end of which there is a replaceable sweetness. While the baby is eating, his temperature is measured. If the idea is implemented and goes into mass production, then replaceable sweets will be sold in pharmacies.
Disposable (travel) - is a strip that should be applied to the forehead or put under the tongue. Colored divisions will help determine body temperature. It takes a minute to hold such a device. Such a device will be convenient when traveling, but you cannot count on an accurate result with it.

How long to hold a thermometer under your arm

Mercury and electronic devices are most in demand due to their affordable cost and ease of use. With their help, the body temperature in the armpit is usually determined, since this method brings a minimum of inconvenience, especially when you need to understand whether a child has a fever or not.

The answer to the question of how long to keep the thermometer under the arm is as follows:

from 2 to 5 minutes when using an electronic device;
8 to 10 minutes when using a mercury device.

Which thermometer should you choose?

You need to choose a medical gadget based on who needs to measure the temperature and in what conditions.

For babies and children younger age An infrared thermometer is fine, as it can determine the exact temperature in a few seconds. It is very convenient that the child does not need to undress and it is enough to free the forehead.

For adults, it is best to use a mercury meter as it provides the most accurate reading. You will have to wait a while to display adequate body temperature information.

For travel and business trips, disposable strips are perfect, as you don't have to worry about them breaking or breaking.

If you suspect the development of the disease, a thermometer is used for initial diagnosis. This device measures body temperature, and by its indicators it is easy to understand whether a person is sick or not. But many people are not sure how long it takes to measure the temperature with a mercury thermometer for a child and an adult. Someone, out of habit, holds it for three minutes, and someone - ten. How will be correct? "Popular about health" will help you figure it out and tell you about three ways to measure temperature.

Temperature control methods

There are three ways to measure temperature, consider them:

1. Axillary, when the thermometer is positioned under the armpit.
2. Oral - under the tongue.
3. Rectal - in the rectum.

In all these cases, the use of a mercury thermometer is allowed, but it is not always justified. For example, to determine temperature values in a small child, you should not use the oral method if the parents have only a mercury thermometer at their disposal. Chances are good that the baby will break the glass and get mercury into the mouth. For the oral method, in this case, it is better to use electronic thermometers.

Oral method - rules for measuring temperature

When applying this method, you need to know how to properly position the thermometer in your mouth. To begin with, the device is disinfected with alcohol, after which the tip containing mercury is inserted under the tongue, the lips are closed. Breathing is done through the nose. Be careful not to damage the bulb of the thermometer with your teeth.

Rectal method

The rectal method involves the introduction of a thermometer into the rectum. Before starting the procedure, the tip of the device should also be disinfected, then lubricated with cream or petroleum jelly. The patient is laid on his side, the legs are bent at the knees. The tip is gently inserted into the rectum 4 cm for an adult, 2 cm for a child.

Axillary method

This method involves holding the thermometer near the lymph nodes - in the armpit or under the knee. It is used the most and is considered to be less safe. To use it, you need to make sure that the skin is dry under the armpit, firmly press the tip of the device and hold it.

It is possible to measure a child's t with a mercury thermometer only in the presence of an adult and under his control. It is difficult to keep a small child in place for several minutes, so you should wait until the baby falls asleep or take the baby in your arms and press your hand tightly to the body, fixing the thermometer. Before the procedure, it is advisable to warm the thermometer in your hands for a few seconds, so as not to frighten the baby by touching the cold tip to the body.

How much to measure temperature with a mercury thermometer for an adult and a child?

How much time a child or an adult will need to determine the temperature depends on the chosen method of measuring it:

Oral - 4-5 minutes.
Rectal - 4-5 minutes.
Axillary - 7 minutes.

It will take an adult and a child the same time. The procedure does not depend on the patient's age. It is only important to understand that the temperature values in different parts bodies are different. This is what will be discussed later.

What are the standards for temperature readings in the mouth, rectum and armpit?

Everyone knows that t is considered normal - 36.6 degrees when measured in the armpit. But this indicator or norm is conditional, since for many people it can fluctuate to a lesser or big side... By choosing other measurement methods, you will get completely different values. For example:

When measuring t in the mouth, the norm is 37.3-37.5 degrees.
The norm for the rectal measurement method is 37.5-37.7 degrees.

The thing is that the mucous membranes are always much warmer than the skin, because the vessels are located closer there. For the same reason, rectal and oral methods are considered more accurate than axillary.

The accuracy of the readings depends on many factors. For example, it is important to measure t with a thermometer only at rest. Children are very mobile, when they run and jump, the blood heats up, because of which the indicators may be incorrect. Before carrying out the procedure, it is advisable to follow the following rules:

1. Do not take a warm bath.
2. Do not consume hot food or drinks.
3. Don't run.

If you are in doubt about the performance of the device, wait a few minutes, then repeat the entire procedure. It is worth noting that old mercury thermometers, which have served for many years, heat up more slowly, so to be sure, wait a couple of extra minutes or use another device. As you guessed, this is why many people know about the time of measuring the temperature under the arm for 10 minutes.

Advantages and disadvantages of a mercury thermometer

A mercury thermometer is considered more reliable and accurate, capable of serving for many years, its readings do not depend on the state of charge of the battery inside. These are the main benefits. There are also disadvantages:

The device is fragile and must be handled with care.
The inside of the flask contains mercury, a highly toxic substance.
The duration of the procedure is longer in comparison with the electronic analogue.

Temperature data is very important for diagnosing diseases and determining the well-being of adults and children. To make the data as accurate as possible, follow the rules described above.

Measurement methods

Today, the most popular method is measuring the temperature in the armpit. However, this is far from the only way. Measurements can also be carried out in the following areas:

in the rectum;
behind the ear (using an infrared thermometer);
in the mouth;
under the knee.

How long does it take to measure? It depends on two factors: the aforementioned measurement methods and the type of thermometer.

Mercury thermometer

How many minutes do you need to hold a mercury thermometer:

rectally or in the mouth - 5 minutes;
under the arm - 10 minutes;
under the knee - 10 minutes.

Such a device is much more expensive, and it is not as accurate as a mercury thermometer, but the temperature measurement procedure is much shorter.

Infrared thermometer

First of all, comfort is associated with the duration of the procedure: measuring the temperature with an infrared thermometer will take no more than 5 seconds, and besides, it is absolutely safe.

Disposable thermometer

A travel thermometer is a strip that is held on your forehead or placed under your tongue. The body temperature is determined after a minute using the colored divisions on the strip.

You should not expect an accurate result from such a device, however, it is ideal for determining indicators on the road.

To obtain reliable indicators, it is not enough to know how much you need to hold the thermometer; you also need to carry out the measurement procedure correctly. So, if you measure body temperature with a mercury or electronic thermometer, then adhere to the following rules:

When measuring temperature, make sure that the skin is not wet. It is known that a person sweating will have an overestimated value.
When measuring under the arm, you need to press your hand to the body and hold the inserted thermometer tightly. Then the question will not arise: "Why is the temperature on the thermometer minimal, because I have been holding it for a long time?"
If the measurement is made under the knee, then 10 minutes need to hold the device with a bent leg. In this case, you need to lie down.
When measuring the temperature of a small child, you must first warm the thermometer in your hands so as not to frighten the baby with a touch of a cold object. It is most convenient to take measurements under the arm while the baby is sleeping.
Children can use the thermometer rectally. An electronic device is better suited for this. Firstly, it is not so traumatic, and secondly, the procedure time with it is shorter. However, it should be borne in mind that the temperature in the rectum is slightly higher than, for example, under the arm.
It must be remembered that older mercury thermometers are slower to respond to changes in readings, so they take longer to measure.
Shake the mercury thermometer in sharp, short strokes between your index and thumb. In this case, the column should drop to a mark of approximately 35.5 degrees. It is best to do this over a soft surface to avoid damage to the thermometer in the event of a fall.
After the procedure, rinse the device with cool water.
Use the same thermometer to re-measure.

How long does it take to keep an infrared thermometer? How many minutes to hold an electronic thermometer with a flexible tip? Many people do this procedure at random and do not at all keep track of how many minutes they hold a mercury thermometer under their arm. Many mothers are also interested in the question: how long does a thermometer need to hold under the arm of a child. Only then carefully place and hold the thermometer under your arm.

Such a thermometer will show the temperature with an accuracy of half a degree in 20-30 seconds. The principle of operation of an infrared thermometer is quite clear - contact and non-contact. This thermometer works extremely fast. The principle of operation of an electronic thermometer is reduced to a simple chain: the resistor heats up, its resistance drops and the current increases.

To obtain an accurate result, the thermal sensor of an electronic thermometer should fit as tightly as possible to the skin under the armpit. Keep your mouth closed throughout the entire measurement procedure. This method is strictly prohibited for measuring with mercury thermometers! ATTENTION! In no case should the vikoristovuvatistovoy pass for measuring the temperature with ordinary thermometers.

Why it is not difficult to find it in a family with any income (moreover, often in several copies), there is no need to explain, since it is not possible to measure the temperature without a thermometer. Any working thermometer is an important and necessary subject. Mercury is an inexpensive and most accurate instrument.

Electronic - it is more expensive and less accurate than a mercury device, but at the same time it gives a result much faster. Thermometer-tattoo - a kind of electronic thermometer for permanent wearing on the skin. The personal device was developed by a group of scientists from America, China and Singapore. Mercury and electronic devices are most in demand due to their affordable cost and ease of use.

You need to choose a medical gadget based on who needs to measure the temperature and in what conditions. For infants and young children, an infrared thermometer is suitable as it gives an accurate temperature in a matter of seconds. In order to answer the question "how long does it take to hold the thermometer", one must understand that the time for measuring the temperature will depend on the type of thermometer and on the place where the temperature is measured.

The temperature in the ear is measured with an infrared thermometer. When measuring the temperature again, use the same thermometer. If under the arm and if the child? And someone less eminent recommends all 10 - when, it seems, not so much the child's temperature is shown, but the thermometer is also warming up. And yet, what is the minimum time for the thermometer to show the correct temperature?

If you do not want to keep the mercury thermometer for so long, then you can use an electronic one - it needs to be kept for 4-5 minutes. There are also thermometers with a sound signal that it is time to take it out. Usually in electronic thermometers everything is so arranged that when the temperature stops rising, it beeps. And then you can get it out and watch.

Mercury thermometer

Temperature measurement in any of these ways is possible using a mercury thermometer or electronic thermometer. It is carried out by introducing a thermometer into the rectum. It is the most accurate, since the rectal cavity is closed from the outside by an external sphincter.

Before proceeding with the procedure for introducing a thermometer, it is necessary to thoroughly disinfect it. It is carried out by placing a mercury or electronic thermometer in the mouth under the tongue. Before use, the tip of the thermometer must be thoroughly disinfected.

Does not give the most accurate results, however, most people in Everyday life most often they resort to it. However, not everyone knows how long you need to hold a mercury thermometer under your arm. Before performing the procedure, it is necessary to disinfect the tip of the thermometer and wipe it dry with a napkin or towel.

Plus five minutes are needed for the thermometer for the mercury to reach the desired point on the scale corresponding to the real temperature. And then put a thermometer for the remaining 5 minutes.

Basics of measuring body temperature with a thermometer under the arm

Electronic thermometers have become popular among the population along with mercury thermometers. In order to find out how to correctly measure the temperature with an electronic thermometer, you must carefully read the instructions attached to it. The disadvantages of digital thermometers include: the possibility of obtaining incorrect information due to an error in the operation of the internal thermometer program. Some people notice that an electronic thermometer shows a temperature lower than a mercury one.

In this case, the hand should be pressed to the body more strongly, since the thermal sensor of the electronic thermometer requires closer contact with the skin than the mercury one. The malfunction of the thermometer should not be ruled out. To obtain a more accurate result, the electronic thermometer must be held for another 30 seconds after the beep.

Basically, a mercury thermometer is held under the arm for 7-10 minutes, no more. But it is very difficult for a child to measure the temperature in this way, it is better to buy an electronic one, this will work out faster.

A person's body temperature depends on many facts. Its exact value helps to correctly determine the state of health, the presence of any diseases, and much more. Many different thermometers have been invented today to measure body heat. But below, we will tell you how and how much you need to measure the temperature with a mercury thermometer.

What is a mercury thermometer

This type of device is the most famous and widespread; it is also popularly called a thermometer by the people. This thermometer requires very careful handling, as it contains a very toxic substance mercury... It is thanks to its heating that the body heat is measured.

Despite its age of existence, this thermometer is still widespread, and all thanks to the following advantages:

High measurement accuracy.
Low cost.
Memorizing the maximum value that was last measured.
The ability to measure in several ways. Namely, orally, rectally and axillary.

Speaking about the last advantage, one cannot fail to mention that the specific time for measuring the temperature with this thermometer will depend on where it is measured.

Basic rules for measuring temperature

Many people often say that degrees to shows incorrect information about the heat. In fact, a mercury thermometer always gives accurate information, but only on condition that all the rules for using it have been followed, namely:

The temperature in the room where the person who wants to measure his liquidus is located should not be higher than 25 degrees or lower than 18. When this range is changed, the data obtained from a mercury thermometer may not be entirely accurate.
Make sure the mercury level is at 35 degrees before use.
When using a mercury thermometer under the armpit, make sure that this part of the body is dry.
The tip of the thermometer should be pressed against the skin from all sides.
You cannot measure the temperature immediately after coming from the street, after a bath or intense physical activity.
Remain calm while measuring temperature.

it general rules temperature measurement mercury thermometer ... However, there are also individual rules for how the temperature can be measured for each species.

How much to measure temperature orally

This type of measurement takes place by placing itself thermometer in the mouth, while its tip should be under the tongue and pressed tightly with it. Gives high precision measurements. And it is often used in children over 5 years old. It is usually also used in cases where it is simply not possible to measure in any other way.

When using this type of measurement, the temperature must not only follow all the rules described above, but also disinfect the thermometer itself. The easiest way to do this is by treating the device with a chlorhexidine solution.

Talking about how many minutes to measure the temperature of mercury oral thermometer, it should be noted that all experts agree that 5 minutes is enough. And do not forget that after the procedure, the thermometer should also be disinfected, as before using it.

Axillary measurement

This method is not only the most common, but also the longest and not entirely accurate. Unfortunately, most people resorting to this way not only do not know how many minutes are needed measure, but also how to do it correctly.

It is necessary to follow all the rules mentioned earlier, then you should measure it with the armpit of the non-working hand and, most importantly, there should be no air between the thermometer and the body, therefore, you should firmly press the elbow joint to the body.

Now about how much you need to measure the temperature with mercury armpit thermometer... We have already said that this method of measurement is the longest, so you will need at least 10 minutes to get an accurate result. Some not only do not follow the rules on how to measure the temperature, but also cannot stand 10 minutes, as a result of which they receive incorrect information.

We measure the temperature rectally

Most often this method is used in children, as well as paralyzed and whether seriously ill people... For this, a thermometer is inserted into the rectum. The accuracy of this type is 100%, although the procedure itself is unpleasant. And unlike the previously described measurement methods, this one has its advantages and disadvantages.

The benefits include:

Suitable for use in newborns.
Use in the presence of skin diseases or inflammation in the mouth.
Carrying out time is minimal amount minutes.
You can measure the temperature of an unconscious person.

The disadvantages include such contraindications as: hemorrhoids, prostatitis and diarrhea.

The procedure is as follows: the patient lies on his side, and his legs should be slightly bent at the knees. The thermometer, previously disinfected, is inserted into the rectum until its tip is hidden. For children, the maximum insertion depth is 2 centimeters, for adults 6. First, it is necessary to lubricate the end of the thermometer with sea buckthorn oil or petroleum jelly, although the usual baby cream is also quite suitable.

So, how much heat should be measured with a mercury thermometer rectally? The answer is simple - 3-5 minutes. As you can see, This method is the shortest in time, because it takes at least 2 minutes less than all the others.

Despite the fact that now on sale there are different kinds thermometers and thermometers that allow you to measure the temperature even in less than 1 minute, such pediatric specialist, as Komarovsky recommends using a mercury thermometer. And how many minutes to measure the temperature with a thermometer and in what way, it is up to you to decide, because we have already told you how to correctly measure the temperature with a mercury thermometer.