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Temperature taking hints
It is important to know each individual’s normal temperature when
they are well. This is the only way to accurately diagnose a fever. To
determine normal temperature, take multiple readings when healthy.
Re-measure with a standard digital thermometer for confirmation.
This thermometer displays an oral equivalent temperature reading.
Oral readings are approximately 0.9°F (0.5 °C) lower than a rectal
digital measurement
4
).
Patient must be inside for 30 minutes before taking a measurement.
Note: Patient and the thermometer should be in the same ambient
temperature for at least 10 minutes before taking a reading.
Always hold the thermometer and the forehead steady when taking a
reading. Do not move the thermometer until you hear the final beep.
For patients measuring their own temperature, use the “touch” option
instead of “no touch.”
Don’t take a measurement while or immediately after nursing a baby.
Patients should not drink, eat, or be physically active before/while taking
the measurement. Remove hats and wait 10 minutes before taking
a reading.
Remove dirt or hair from the forehead before taking a measurement.
Bangs may cause higher readings. Wait at least 10 minutes after washing
the forehead area before taking a reading.
Always take the temperature exactly as directed. Temperature results
may vary if positioned in the wrong location.
In the following situations it is recommended that three temperatures in
the same location be taken and the highest one taken as the reading:
• Newborn infants in the first 100 days.
• Children under three years of age with a compromised immune system
and for whom the presence or absence of fever is critical.
• When the user is learning how to use the thermometer for the first time
until he/she has familiarized himself/herself with the device and obtains
consistent readings.
4. Sund-Levander M, Forsberg C, Wahren LK. Normal oral, rectal, tympanic and axillary body temperature
in adult men and women: a systematic literature review. Scand J Caring Sci 2002 June;16(2):122-8
Herzog L, Phillips SG. Addressing concerns about fever. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2011 May;50(5):383-90.
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