How many minutes should the thermometer be held to be effective?
May 08, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
The oral method involves first disinfecting the thermometer, then placing its tip under the patient's tongue, instructing the patient to keep lips tightly closed. After 5 minutes, remove the thermometer and read the temperature. For the axillary method, place the tip of the thermometer deep into the patient's armpit and ask the patient to hold it firmly in place with their upper arm. After 5–10 minutes, remove and read the temperature. For the rectal method, gently insert the thermometer into the anus and leave it in place for 5 minutes before removing and reading the temperature.
When using a thermometer to measure body temperature, the required measurement time varies depending on the site. Generally, oral measurement takes 5 minutes, axillary measurement takes 5–10 minutes, and rectal measurement takes 5 minutes. Specific details are as follows:
1. Oral Method
With this method, the thermometer is first disinfected, then its tip is placed under the patient's tongue, with lips tightly closed. After 5 minutes, it can be removed and the reading taken. The normal temperature range is generally 36.3–37.2°C. During measurement, patients should be instructed not to breathe through the mouth, and they should avoid drinking hot or cold water within 10 minutes prior to measurement, as this may affect the accuracy of the result.
2. Axillary Method
This method involves placing the tip of the thermometer deep into the patient's armpit and asking the patient to hold it in place with their upper arm. After 5–10 minutes, remove the thermometer to read the temperature. The normal range is generally 36–37°C. When using this method, ensure that no heating or cooling items are present in the armpit area, and dry any sweat thoroughly to prevent interference with the measurement results.
3. Rectal Method
For rectal measurement, the patient is usually asked to lie on their side. The tip of a rectal thermometer is coated with lubricant and gently inserted into the anus to half the length of the thermometer. After 5 minutes, remove and read the temperature. The normal range is generally 36.5–37.7°C. Rectal temperatures are typically 0.2–0.5°C higher than oral readings. This method provides stable and accurate results and is commonly used for infants, young children, and patients who are unconscious.
In summary, thermometers can be used in various ways, and the normal temperature range differs slightly depending on the measurement site. It is recommended that individuals seek medical evaluation promptly if they experience fever or physical discomfort. If medication is needed, it should only be taken under the guidance of a qualified physician.
