Tips On Temperature Taking

Written by Aqmar Azizi | Feb 10, 2020 8:18:30 AM

Tips on Temperature Taking

When to take your temperature

Wait for 30 minutes before temperature taking if you have just exercised, been outdoors, eaten, drunk or showered.

Source: (Goh, 2016) Appendix 20 pp 113 to 115.

Note that as COVID-19 progress, there is readily available thermal imaging technology that could scan temperature from a distance, using your plan and forehead.

How to take your temperature?

There are different ways of temperature taking for the different types of thermometers available.

Glass Thermometer

  • Wash the thermometer bulb with soap and water before use.
  • Shake the thermometer a few times to bring the level of the mercury below 35 oC.
  • Temperatures can be taken from the armpit or mouth.
Armpit reading
  • Place the thermometer bulb under your armpit.
  • Fold your arm across the chest to hold the thermometer in place.
  • Remove the thermometer and read the temperature after 5 minutes.
Oral reading
  • Place the thermometer bulb under your tongue.
  • Close your mouth and do not talk or bite the thermometer.
  • Remove the thermometer and read the temperature after 3 minutes.
  • Wash the bulb of the thermometer with soap and water after use.

Digital Thermometer

  • Wash the area of the thermometer bulb with soap and water before use.

  • Switch on the thermometer and wait until it is ready to register a reading.

  • Temperatures can be taken at the armpit

  • Place the thermometer bulb under your armpit.

  • Fold your arm across your chest to hold the thermometer in place.

  • The thermometer will beep to signal that the temperature display is ready for reading.

  • Remove the thermometer and read the temperature.

  • Temperatures can be taken via oral reading.

  • Place the thermometer bulb under your tongue.

  • Close your mouth and do not talk or bite the thermometer.

  • The thermometer will beep to signal that the temperature display is ready for reading.

  • Remove the thermometer and read the temperature.

  • Wash the area of the thermometer bulb with soap and water after use.

Ear (Tympanic) Thermometer

  • Place a new disposable cap over the probe.
  • Switch on the thermometer.
  • Pull the ear backwards and upwards to straighten the ear canal when the thermometer is ready to register a reading.
  • Insert the thermometer as a probe into the ear canal.
  • Press the activation button and hold until a reading appears (some models may beep when it is ready for reading).
  • Remove the thermometer and read the temperature.
  • Discard cap after use (use a new cap for every temperature taking).

Remember: 

  • It is important to read the manufacturer’s instructions on the proper use of the thermometer. 
  • When washing glass or digital thermometers, wash only the area in contact with the mouth/skin as the thermometer may not be waterproof.
  • Do not talk when taking an oral temperature or move about when taking an armpit temperature. 

Do you know... 
  • Temperatures taken at the different part of the body present different readings – those taken from the armpit are lower than readings from the mouth and ear.
Adults
  • if the armpit temperature is over 37 oC, the oral temperature is over 37.3 oC
  • or the ear temperature is over 37.7 oC
  • , you have a fever. 
Children
  • Children (below 12 years) have a fever if the armpit temperature is over 37.2 oC
  • , the oral temperature is over 37.5 oC or the ear temperature is over 37.9 oC
  • The normal temperature for healthy adults and children ranges from 36.2 oC  to 37.2 oC and the average normal temperature is taken as 37 oC
  • Children tend to have higher body temperatures due to higher metabolic rates. 
  • Women who are ovulating may have temperatures that are 0.5 oC
  • higher due to hormonal changes in their bodies. 
  • Adults over 65 years of age may have temperatures that are 0.3 oC lower because of lower metabolic rates. 
  • The times of the month and day also affect your temperature. The body is at its lowest temperature at 3 am when it is at rest, and at its highest at 6 pm after a busy day.
  • To ensure accurate readings, it is advisable to take your temperature at the same time

Disclaimer and Author's Comment:

This article is researched and it is not written by a medical professional.  Please seek professional medical advice if there is a need to finalise your operating procedures.  I found the precision in the temperature oC checking useful as a non-medical professional.

 

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Reference Guide

Goh, M. H. (2016). A Manager’s Guide to Implement Your Infectious Disease Business Continuity Plan, 2nd Edition. GMH Pte Ltd.