How long is a thermometer generally placed under the armpit?
Jan 09, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, a thermometer is usually placed under the armpit for 5-10 minutes. For adults, the recommended measurement time is 5-7 minutes. For infants and young children, the measurement time is typically 8-10 minutes. In daily life, please carefully read the instructions before using a thermometer and follow the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure accurate measurement results.
Generally, a thermometer is placed under the armpit for 5-10 minutes. For adults, the recommended measurement time is 5-7 minutes. For infants and young children, the measurement duration is usually 8-10 minutes. Detailed explanations are as follows:
For adults, it is usually recommended to place a mercury thermometer tightly under the armpit, with a measurement time of 5-7 minutes. If the measurement time is too short, the thermometer may not fully reflect the actual body temperature, resulting in a lower reading. For infants and young children, due to potentially less stable thermoregulatory centers, the measurement time may need to be slightly longer, typically 8-10 minutes.
Before taking a measurement, it is recommended to ensure the armpit is dry and free of sweat. If there is sweat, it should be wiped off with a towel, as sweat may affect contact between the thermometer and the skin, thereby affecting the accuracy of the measurement. Additionally, the thermometer should be shaken down to its initial state or below 35°C to ensure accurate measurement.
Before using a thermometer in daily life, please carefully read the instruction manual and follow the provided guidance to ensure accurate measurement results.
