The wise mother of three children told what to do if the electronic thermometer shows the temperature incorrectly Bashny.Net

Probably, many readers have encountered a situation where different thermometers show different temperatures. When it comes to one or two tenths, we do not pay attention to it. But when an electronic device lowers the indicators by 0.5-0.6 degrees, it becomes not to joke. Let’s try to figure out how to use an electronic thermometer and whether it is really inferior in accuracy to mercury.



How to use an electronic thermometer? Manufacturers indicate the same error for mercury and electronic thermometers. Ideally, it is about 0.1 degrees. Why are there so many complaints about electronic thermometers?

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Posted by Daria & my favorite children (@daria_twins_mom)



The problem is that for effective temperature measurement, an electronic thermometer must fit very tightly to the surface of the body. Holding it under your arm for a few seconds is not enough.



Phere will turn to the user guide. Before measuring the temperature, it is recommended to dry the armpit and place the measuring tip of the thermometer in its center. The measurement time in this way should be 3-4 minutes. But this does not always give an accurate result. Not because the thermometer is broken. There are just rules that manufacturers apparently take for granted and therefore do not add to the instructions.

First, the thermometer should be placed along the body and pressed with your hand. In this position, the device will be heated more evenly. Of course, it is better to take off your clothes.



Secondly, it is advisable not to turn on the thermometer immediately. Give the body 2-3 minutes to heat up. This will make the measurement more accurate and save battery power.



And thirdly, wait until the device removes the first value and emits a characteristic squeak. After that... no, do not finish the measurement as you usually do, and wait at least another 2-3 minutes.



The fact is that electronic and mercury thermometers work slightly differently. Mercury shows the maximum temperature value for the measurement period, and electronic - averaged. Do not forget that human body temperature can fluctuate by quite large values (up to 1 degree). Therefore, the longer the measurement period, the more accurate you will see as a result on the device display.

If these rules are followed, an electronic thermometer usually shows the same temperature as a mercury one. But experts still recommend having two devices at home. One is electronic, or infrared, for quick measurements and mercury to accurately track temperature dynamics when a family member is sick. All health, take care of yourself and loved ones!