Is it possible to hold the thermometer under your arm? How to correctly measure the temperature of children and adults with an electronic or mercury thermometer - algorithm and methods

A popular method for diagnosing diseases and inflammatory processes is measuring body temperature using special devices - thermometers, also called thermometers. Depending on the deviation of the obtained indicator from the norm, the doctor makes a forecast about the state of the body systems and determines the intensity of the necessary drug therapy in the first days of treatment. Answers to questions about which thermometers are best to use and on which part of the body to measure temperature will help you understand how to measure it correctly and reduce the error as much as possible.

What is temperature measurement

Thermometry is a set of methods and methods that help to measure the temperature, in medicine, of the human body. The degree of heating of the object is compared with the absolute thermodynamic scale. Deviations from the average norm, up or down, show the doctor that processes are occurring in the body that disrupt its thermoregulation, for example, fighting a virus or inflammation. Regular measurements of this parameter allow you to monitor the patient’s condition, promptly increase the effectiveness of treatment, and avoid possible complications.

What does body temperature depend on?

In addition to infectious infections and other external factors (for example, hypothermia or overheating), many circumstances influence the body temperature. You will see different numbers on the thermometer, measuring the temperature on the surface of the skin (in the armpit or in the groin folds) or with one of internal methods(oral or rectal). In addition to the location of the measurement, the indicator is affected by:

time of manipulation (morning/evening);
patient's age;
period of the menstrual cycle in women.

Normal human body temperature

Physiological indicators of normal human body temperature can fluctuate between 36.3 – 37.3 °C. The norm of 36.6 °C, which we have become accustomed to since childhood, is set for measurement in the axillary region, due to individual characteristics may deviate within 36.4 – 37.0 °C. The average rectal temperature (in the rectum) is 37.3-37.7 ° C; temperature ranges in oral measurements, considered healthy values – 36.8 – 37.2 °C.

Minimum human body temperature

The human body is better adapted to hypothermia than to increased temperature. Deviation from the norm towards the lower limit of up to 35 ° C is accompanied by severe weakness; after a decrease to 29 ° C, the person loses consciousness. The lowest recorded temperature at which the life of a hypothermic patient could be saved was 14.9 °C. Death, as a rule, occurs when the temperature reaches 25°C.

Critical temperature

If the temperature of a victim from overheating increases to an absolute scale level above 42 °C and it is impossible to reduce the indicator, there is a high probability of death. There was a recorded case where a patient managed to survive overheating up to 46.5 °C. The lower limit in some cases can reach 25-26 °C. With hyperthermia - an increase in the indicator to 42 ° C and above - loss of consciousness, hallucinations, and delirium are observed. In this case, the patient’s life is in serious danger, so it is necessary to lower this biometric indicator by any in an accessible way.

How is temperature measured?

The SI (International System of Units) system has two basic units of measurement: temperature indicators– degrees Celsius and degrees Kelvin. In medicine, body temperature is measured on the Celsius scale, on which zero is the freezing temperature of water, and one hundred degrees is the boiling point of water.

Temperature measuring instruments

In thermometry, a special measuring device– a thermometer for measuring body temperature. These devices are also called thermometers. They are made from different materials(glass, plastic), have their own specifics and operating principle (contact, non-contact; digital, mercury, infrared), measurement error. Each type of these devices has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Classification of devices

The main principle by which thermometers for measuring body temperature are classified is the principle of operation of these measuring instruments. According to it they are divided into:

mercury;
digital;
infrared (for non-contact measurement method).

Mercury thermometers are made of glass and work on the principle of expansion of mercury contained in their glass reservoir. When heated from the body, the mercury column moves up the scale, reaching a mark corresponding to the t temperature of the body. This method of determining temperature characteristics helps to obtain high accuracy measurement results, the error in actual temperature when using this type of thermometer is only 0.1 degrees.

Along with the advantages - affordability, wide area applications, durability, obtaining accurate measurements - liquid thermometers There are significant disadvantages with mercury:

fragility of the body;
mercury toxicity (there is a danger of poisoning if you accidentally damage a mercury tank or break a thermometer);
measurement duration (up to 10 minutes).

Digital, electronic thermometers are widely used. They may have different appearance, their body is made of plastic, and the temperature is determined through the operation of a thermodynamic sensor. Electronic thermometers are safer than mercury thermometers and help to obtain quick measurement results (within one minute), however, the accuracy of the readings of these devices is significantly inferior to mercury thermometers.

Infrared devices for measuring temperature indicators do not require direct contact with the body; the time taken to measure the temperature value takes several seconds. A special sensor displays a digital infrared image; the device requires configuration, produces an error of about 0.2 degrees, is expensive, and is often used in cases where the patient cannot be disturbed.

Especially for infants who cannot remain at rest for a long time, pacifier thermometers disguised as an ordinary pacifier were invented. They are made from silicone, the measurement duration is about five minutes, but this does not bring any inconvenience to the child. The deviation from the exact data can reach 0.3 degrees.

Where to take the temperature

Not all parts of the body have the same indicator; in this regard, there are different ways temperature measurements. To receive precise definition body condition, this biometric indicator is determined by:

axillary (the thermometer is installed and held with the working end in the armpit);
orally (measurement is carried out by taking the level of thermal radiation in the mouth);
rectally (in the rectum);
in the inguinal folds;
in a woman's vagina.

How to measure correctly

In different cavities and areas, the temperature indicator is measured according to certain rules. It's important to check technical condition device you use - replace the battery in the digital thermometer, if necessary, adjust the infrared, make sure the integrity of the mercury thermometer. If you have doubts about the reliability of the results obtained - for example, the child’s forehead is hot, but the device shows normal temperature, repeat the procedure or measure the indicator on another part of the body.

Mercury thermometer

Before using a mercury thermometer, shake it to bring down the mercury column to minimum value on the scale, less than 35 °C. The device must be dry and clean if you are measuring orally or rectally, a necessary condition Before using a thermometer, you must first disinfect it. For glass thermometers To avoid damage, there are rules for careful storage in a case.

When performing the procedure in the armpit, the device is kept in a state of balance, pressed tightly to the body for the required time. For oral measurement, the device is placed under the tongue, it closes tightly, and breathing is done through the nose. During the rectal method of measurement, the patient is placed in a lying position on his side, the thermometer is inserted through the sphincter into the rectum and held for two to three minutes.

Time to measure body temperature with a mercury thermometer

When using contact thermometers, the type of which is mercury, the time during which the measurement is carried out is important. Depending on the measurement location, it is:

5-10 minutes - for the axillary method;
2-3 minutes - for rectal;
3-5 minutes - for oral.

Electric thermometer

Digital measuring instruments must be used when you want accurate and quick results. The sound signal function, which is equipped with electric thermometers, makes it easier to control the temperature measurement, since it notifies the user when the measurement process is completed. They produce so-called instant thermometers, which, thanks to the high sensitivity of the thermoelement, give results in 2-3 seconds.

Remote temperature measurement

Measuring temperature readings from a distance is a convenient feature of infrared thermometers. These devices are the result of high-tech laboratory developments, which determines the quality of their work and the accuracy of the data obtained. They do not have a harmful effect on the body, and are suitable for both immobile patients and infants who are constantly on the move.

Measurement algorithm

Using the correct algorithm for measuring body temperature, you will reduce the influence of external factors, you will be able to timely monitor changes in temperature indicators, thereby speeding up the patient’s recovery process. With any method and any type of use contact thermometer, follow the rules of hygiene and disinfection of the devices themselves. Algorithm for using a mercury thermometer:

Wash your hands thoroughly.
Remove the device from the case.
Shake it gently but forcefully while holding it index finger on the tank.
Make sure the mercury drops below 35°C.
Take a measurement.
Disinfect the thermometer after completing the procedure.
Record the received data.

Measuring body temperature in the armpit

By following the following algorithm, you will understand how to measure the temperature in the armpit with any thermometer to get exact value and do not use another method:

take measurements several times a day, at regular intervals;
press the thermometer tightly to your body to avoid the thermometer being loose;
keep your body still during the procedure;
Record in writing the upper and lower indicators during the day.

Which armpit should you measure under?

The physical sensitivity of the right and left armpits is the same, so it does not matter which one you use to measure temperature readings. If you wish, you can take the value from both the right and left sides several times to make sure that you get the same data as a result. If you have doubts about the correctness of the result obtained, you can always measure the temperature in another sensitive area, in the groin area, for example.

In the mouth

The answer to the question of how to measure the temperature in the mouth correctly lies in the following two main points - the position of the thermometer and the time of measurement. Place the device under the tip of your tongue, press it firmly and close your mouth. To obtain data, hold this position for two to three minutes, breathe through your nose, evenly and calmly. Before carrying out the procedure, be sure to treat the thermometer with a disinfectant wipe.

Processing of thermometers

A clean, disinfected thermometer is an important condition for obtaining correct data when measuring indicators. The device should be cleaned after each procedure; at home, this can be done using wipes soaked in any disinfectant alcohol composition. After disinfection, the device is wiped dry and placed in a storage case.

Video

How long should you keep the thermometer under your arm? The answer to this question depends on many factors: the type of thermometer, what time of day the measurements are taken, etc. Let’s look into all the details together.

The temperature in the armpit is measured in order to identify its deviation from normal for the body. An elevated body temperature may indicate an infection, viral disease, the onset of the inflammatory process in the body and a number of other conditions.

Normal temperature fluctuates between 35.6 and 36.7° Celsius and varies slightly depending on the time of day and physical activity person. Several types of thermometers have been developed to measure temperature. The length of time you hold the thermometer under your arm, as well as the accuracy of the measurements, will depend on which device you choose.

The fastest and most reliable is a digital thermometer. This small size a hand-held device with a “window” where data on body temperature is displayed. Most electronic thermometers are equipped with virtual memory and can record data from several measurements. You can find quite a lot of types of digital thermometers in pharmacies. All are easy to use and measure temperature in less than a minute.

Read also:

Basal temperature charts with examples

Glass thermometers with blue and red alcohol solutions inside also do an excellent job of measuring body temperature. In scientific and medical circles, such a device is called Galinstan. The advantage of this thermometer is that the components inside it are non-toxic and also meet all standards and requirements.

How many minutes you need to hold the Galinstan thermometer under your arm, in most cases depends on the age of the patient. So, he will show the adults correct temperature after 8 minutes, and children need to hold the thermometer for about 10 minutes.

A peculiar echo from the past today is the usual mercury thermometer. This thermometer is a thin glass tube with silver filling inside. This gray matter is nothing more than mercury that is toxic and dangerous to the human body. The design itself is very flimsy, and if strongly shaken or handled incorrectly, the thermometer can easily burst and mercury can get on the skin. You need to hold the mercury thermometer under your arm for about 10 minutes.

Modern liquid crystal indicators can be used to measure temperature not only in the armpits, but also orally. Despite all the modernity of the technology, a significant drawback of the device is that it is not recommended for use by children under the age of one year. The thermometer is available in the form of a disposable thermal strip and shows accurate measurement results in 5-6 minutes.

Each thermometer has its own advantages and disadvantages. If the measurement time does not play a decisive role, then for home use Glass thermometers are quite suitable. But for young patients, many pediatricians recommend acquiring accurate and fast electronic devices. They are safer than other analogues, but are a little more expensive.

If you need to quickly find out your body temperature while on the road, it is most convenient to use liquid crystal strips. They are very compact and will not take up much space even in your pocket.

After we have found out how long you need to hold this or that thermometer under your arm, it’s time to move on to general rules. The accuracy of body temperature measurement depends on how strictly you follow them:

Remove the thermometer from the plastic holder.
Hold the instrument by the edge opposite the colored or silver tip.
Clean the tip and surrounding area with alcohol or warm water with soap.
The color bar on the scale should be below 35.6 degrees Celsius. If the indicator shows higher value, gently shake the thermometer several times with sharp movements. It is best to do this above a sofa or bed. This action will protect the thermometer from destruction if it accidentally slips out of your hand.
Gently pat your armpits dry paper napkin.
Place the tip in the armpit and press lightly with your hand.
Hold the thermometer under your arm for up to 10 minutes, depending on the type of device.
Then carefully remove the device from your armpit, wipe the tip and check the results on the scale.
Record the time and thermometer readings as your doctor may need this information.

Many people don't know how to measure temperature correctly with a mercury thermometer. Minor changes in body temperature affect the well-being of both adults and children. Temperature is measured in three ways: orally, rectally and in the armpit. 1

How should you use a mercury thermometer?

Due to the presence of mercury, it is very dangerous. Many people refuse them, preferring electronic ones. But mercury thermometers continue to remain the most popular. It is most often used to measure body temperature under the armpit or in the mouth. It cannot be used rectally as it is very fragile.

The most common method of measurement is under the armpit, however, it is not the most accurate.

How should you measure your armpit temperature?

The armpit is wiped with a napkin. This is necessary so that the sweat does not evaporate and cool the thermometer.
It should be placed so that the cap with mercury is in full contact with the body and reaches the deepest point in the armpit.
The hand is pressed to the body, covering the axillary fossa.
The measurement time should not exceed 10 minutes.

During a cold, it is better not to go to bed using thermometers, as a person may fall asleep and accidentally damage it by pouring out all the mercury.

How should you measure the temperature in your mouth?

This method is contraindicated for patients suffering from mental disorders and young children. The correctness of the readings is affected by the presence of a runny nose, oral diseases, food intake and smoking.

The thin end of the thermometer is placed under the tongue;
do not open the mouth so that air does not enter;
The measurement duration ranges from 3 to 5 minutes.

How are rectal measurements performed?

To measure temperature using the rectal method, it is better to use an electronic thermometer. This measurement method is considered the most accurate. Contraindications to measurement are any diseases of the rectum.

The part of the thermometer that will be inserted rectally is coated with Vaseline.
The position of an adult is on his side, a child is on his stomach.
The thermometer is turned on and waiting for the starting indicator to appear.
After this, it is inserted into the rectum a few cm.
During measurement, the thermometer must be held with two fingers.
Eliminate the entry of cold air.
It is forbidden to move it during measurement and insert it sharply into the rectum.
The measurement time takes 1-2 minutes. You can also wait for the sound signal.

On average, a child’s temperature is higher than that of an adult, so if it is slightly elevated, this is not a reason to panic. But you need to know the baby’s current body temperature, because it can be one of the main signs of a number of problems and pathologies. And if with electronic thermometer everything is simple, because it itself will indicate with a sound signal when it is necessary to stop measurements, but with mercury it is not entirely clear how many minutes to hold it in order to achieve the required accuracy. Let's try to figure it out.

How to measure temperature correctly?

To measure the baby's temperature, you need to shake it well (but gently). mercury thermometer, and then place it in the armpit area. Eat alternative options placement, for example, rectal, but usually the device is placed in the armpit. It is important to make sure that no beads of sweat fall on it, because they have a temperature that is slightly higher than the average temperature of any body.

As for how long it takes to measure the temperature with a mercury thermometer, placing it under the child’s armpit, there is no difference with the duration of measurement in adults. It ranges from 5 to 10 minutes. If you want to be absolutely sure of the result, then wait 10 minutes. You don't really need to hold it anymore. If it seems to you that the thermometer readings are not very convincing, try repeating the measurement after a while.

If the child is sleeping, but you still need to measure the temperature, you must first warm the thermometer a little in your hands. After this, you can take measurements, they will be more accurate than if you just put a thermometer.
If the child is awake, he needs to remain as still as possible so as not to confuse the readings. Also, you can’t talk a lot, eat, and so on. The more neutral it sits or lies, the better.
When a child is at a very young age, when he is a newborn, it is worth giving preference to the rectal measurement method. But in this case, using a mercury thermometer is simply dangerous; you should give preference to an electronic one.
In general, monitor the progress of the measurement. A child can break a mercury thermometer - and this will be dangerous not only for his health, but also for his life, not to mention the fact that he can be injured by the glass. In modern thermometers, mercury is often replaced by other similar liquid materials, but although they are less dangerous, they are also of little benefit.
If finances allow, then there is another option - an infrared thermometer. To apply it, you need very little time - about five seconds. It is simply brought to the children’s forehead - and in a matter of moments the results are ready. If your baby is often sick, it may make sense to invest in such a device.

Let's sum it up

The duration of temperature measurement, how long it takes to carry it out, often causes certain difficulties. Remember that if you forget exactly how much to measure, there is nothing wrong with exceeding the duration a little. After all, the child’s body temperature will not become higher during this time. But if you just don't want to hesitate and want to not have to think about the length of the measurements so that you can concentrate on the baby's health, then just get a good electronic thermometer, which itself will “tell” you when you need to take it out.

The process of thermoregulation is one of the most important physiological mechanisms that ensures constant internal environment and the course of all biological reactions. Normal human body temperature is between 36.5 and 37.2 degrees. This temperature range guarantees normal functioning the body's defenses and other vital systems.

Under the influence of infectious and non-infectious factors in children of different ages Body temperature may increase. This condition is usually accompanied by general malaise, headache, body aches and decreased appetite. In order to have an idea of the true indicators of the child’s body temperature, parents often use a mercury thermometer.

Thermometer characteristics

The nature and duration of the assessment of body temperature indicators directly depend on the type of thermometer chosen. Thermometers, which operate by expanding mercury particles, are products that have been used since the invention of the thermometer to measure body temperature. The fact that this type of thermometer has not lost its popularity is due to a number of advantages of a mercury thermometer:

Accuracy of the data obtained regarding temperature indicators;
Affordable price;
Possibility of measurement by any of the known methods;
Ease of operation;
The probability of obtaining an unreliable result is reduced to zero.

Despite these advantages, mercury thermometers have a number of disadvantages. These disadvantages include:

The duration of the standard procedure is at least 8 minutes;
Fragile frame of the thermometer;
If the thermometer is damaged, a person risks getting poisoned by mercury vapor.

Even taking into account the above disadvantages correct operation of these products will guarantee effective and safe measurement of indicators.

Measurement Rules

To obtain the most accurate result from this procedure, parents should familiarize themselves with the key recommendations:

Before starting to measure indicators in the child’s armpit, parents should make sure that it is dry there. If the baby is sweating, wipe the armpit area dry with a paper napkin. This event will allow you to avoid false results that occur when sweat evaporates and the child’s skin cools;
Before using the thermometer, shake it until it reaches 35.5 degrees;
The air temperature in the room where the measurement takes place should be from 18 to 25 degrees. If the room is less than 18 degrees, then before starting to measure the child’s body temperature, you need to warm the thermometer with your palms;
When inserting a mercury thermometer into the armpit, make sure that the mercury tip is in contact with skin baby. When the thermometer is installed, it is important to ensure that the armpit is covered with the baby’s hand;
When measuring temperature indicators, it is important to ensure that the child does not move, eat or talk;
It is incorrect to assess a child’s body temperature immediately after returning from a walk and after swimming. If the child has recently been capricious or crying, then this procedure is postponed for 30-40 minutes.

To assess this parameter in children of different ages, the areas of the armpit, oral cavity, inguinal fold and rectum are used. If the baby is sick, then this procedure is carried out every 3 hours. If your child is taking antipyretics medicines, then the measurements are carried out before using the drug and 40 minutes after that.

Assessment of body temperature in the oral cavity is most often used in children over 3 years of age, as this procedure can be traumatic for younger children. To ensure the safety of measuring oral temperature, you should familiarize yourself with the following recommendations:

Before the mercury thermometer is in the child’s mouth, it is wiped with a solution of Chlorhexidine or;
Before starting the measurement, you need to shake the thermometer to 35 degrees;
The optimal place to place the mercury tip of the thermometer is the child’s sublingual area. Parents of the baby need to ensure that the child’s teeth do not press the thermometer tightly (to avoid damaging it). The duration of this procedure is 56 minutes.

In children of different ages, there is often a need to measure indicators rectally (through the rectum). Before using the thermometer, it must be treated with an antiseptic solution and wiped dry. To obtain reliable results of rectal temperature, the following rules should be taken into account:

The depth of insertion of the mercury tip into the child’s rectum is 1.5-2 cm;
Before inserting the thermometer, the baby is placed on his left side, with his legs bent towards his stomach;
The tip of the thermometer should be inserted carefully, using a screw-like motion;
The duration of rectal temperature measurement is from 6 to 8 minutes. During this time, the baby should lie still;
After the specified time has passed, the tip of the thermometer is carefully removed from the rectum.

The groin area is not the preferred location for this procedure. The use of this zone is acceptable for infants. To carry out the procedure, the baby is placed on his back, and one leg is bent at the hip joint and pressed to the stomach.

The mercury tip of the thermometer is placed in the area of the inguinal fold, pressing it with the baby’s leg. The duration of the measurement procedure in this format is from 7 to 10 minutes. During the procedure, care must be taken to ensure that the baby does not sudden movements and didn't cry.

Another less common area for measuring body temperature is the ear canal. For this procedure, infrared thermometers are most often used, but their absence can easily be compensated for by a mercury thermometer.

To carry out the procedure, you need to carefully move the child’s earlobe up and back. After this, the tip of the thermometer is installed in the ear canal. The insertion depth is no more than 1 cm.

It takes 5 to 8 minutes to measure the temperature in the ear canal. This method is preferable for children over 2 years of age, since the ear canal is not sufficiently developed in newborn children. Typically, these babies have an increased risk of traumatic injury.