How to take a temperature?
There are various types of thermometers that can help to accurately take the temperature:
- Oral thermometers are used in the mouth; the most common and convenient way, but might be tricky with small children.
- Rectal thermometers are used in the rectum; this gives the most accurate results, and is particularly handy when handling small children.
- Temporal artery thermometers use an infrared scanner to measure the temperature of the temporal artery in the forehead.
- Armpit (axillary) and ear (tympanic membrane) thermometers, which are less accurate.
Because of the potential for mercury exposure or ingestion, glass mercury thermometers have been phased out and are no longer recommended.
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