• Wash the tip of thermometer with soap and cold water. • Turn the thermometer on. • Put it in the mouth and firmly close your lips around it. • Wait for a while till it flashes or beeps. • Check the temperature on display.
A digital thermometer can be used three different ways. These include: Oral: For this method, the thermometer is placed under the tongue. This method is used for adults and children 4 and over who are able to hold thermometer in mouth. Rectal: For this method, the thermometer is inserted gently into the rectum. This is mostly done in babies but can used in children up to 3 years of age. You can take rectal temperatures in children older than 3 years, but it might be difficult to keep them as still as they need to stay. Axillary: For this method, the thermometer is placed in the armpit for young children or adults whose temperature can’t safely be done orally. This method is not as accurate as oral or rectal but can be used as a quick first check. You can follow this with an oral or rectal reading.
