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| |    Thermometers: Types and Techniques by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P. reviewed and revised by Lynn Cates, M.D., F.A.A.P. A thermometer is a must have in any home with children. There are many types available that range in price and also in accuracy. Price, accuracy, method of measurement, and your child's age are all factors in helping you decide which is best for you and your child. Mouth, armpit, ear, and rectal temperatures can vary a bit. Rectal temperatures are generally going to be the highest, since it is a measurement of the core body temperature. The mouth temperature is generally the lowest. Typically, there is usually less than a one degree F (0.55 degree C) difference between the two. When parents call me about their child's temperature, they often try to add or subtract a degree depending on where they took the temperature. This is not necessary. When reporting a temperature, simply be sure to mention the method you used to take it. Types of thermometers The glass mercury thermometers used to be considered the gold standard, but since they can break and expose your child to toxic mercury, they are no longer recommended. In fact, if you still have a mercury thermometer in your home, check with your local pharmacy to see if it will safely dispose of it for you (Do not discard it in your trash because the mercury will contaminate the environment). Many health professionals have strong opinions about the accuracy of the other types of thermometers, so it's best to check with your child's provider to see what kind best fits your circumstances. Digital thermometers Digital thermometers are the ones most experts currently recommend. Nowadays inexpensive, accurate versions are available in most drug stores. These thermometers can be used to measure the temperature by the rectal, oral, armpit, or ear canal routes. Bulb thermometers This is the traditional type of thermometer made of glass and used to take oral (mouth), axillary (armpit), or rectal temperatures. Although most used to contain mercury, some bulb thermometers are available without this dangerous substance. The only difference between an oral thermometer and a rectal one is in the shape of the bulb. Some are designed to be used in either area. The markings are the same and mean the same thing regardless of which type of bulb thermometer you use. Before using a bulb thermometer, you will need to shake it so that the level of the indicator goes below 98.6 degrees F (37 degrees C). You should hold the thermometer between your thumb and fingers, and shake it repeatedly with a sharply downward motion. The bulb at the tip of the thermometer is the end that reads your child's temperature and should be placed in the rectum, mouth, or armpit. Reading a bulb thermometer can seem like a difficult task, but you can do it with some practice. Most thermometers have a long mark representing each degree Fahrenheit, and a short mark for each two-tenths of a degree (that is, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8). Only the even degrees (94, 96, 98, 100, 102, 104 degrees F) are numbered on the thermometer because of lack of space. There is a small arrow that points to 98.6 degrees F (37 degrees C) to identify "normal" body temperature. The trick to reading a bulb thermometer is to look at it at just the right angle so that you can see the column rise in the middle. In the armpit, it takes about four minutes to take an accurate temperature, but you can get a rough idea in a couple of minutes. Place the bulb end in your child's armpit and then hold her arm flat against her chest with no clothes in between the arm and the chest. By mouth, it takes one to two minutes to register an accurate temperature, since the mouth takes a while to warm up after being open. The tip of the thermometer should be placed under your child's tongue. Her mouth should be kept closed until a temperature reading is obtained. Avoid taking your child's temperature by mouth immediately after she has had cold liquids to drink, popsicles, etc. For rectal temperatures, put a small amount of petroleum jelly on the tip of the thermometer before you gently insert the thermometer into your child's rectum. Also see: Fever management by age Fever: 0 - 4 Months Fever: 4 - 9 Months Fever: 9 Months - 3 Years Fever: 3 - 12 Years Temperature strips The accuracy of these products is debated, so consult with your child's healthcare provider before relying on them. When and how often should you check your child's temperature? Under most circumstances, if a child older than three months of age has a temperature of 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C) or below and is acting well, it's not necessary for you to continue to measure her temperature unless you have been instructed otherwise. If you are treating your child's fever with medication, you may find it takes an hour or more before your child's temperature comes down. Cleaning a thermometer You clean a thermometer by washing it with lukewarm water and soap. You can then wipe it off with rubbing alcohol, but be sure to rinse it with cold water to get rid of the alcohol taste before using it again. Going back to school In general, doctors recommend that children remain out of school or child care for 24 hours after having a fever. Don't get in the habit of repeatedly taking your child's temperature when she is active and well.
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