How to Use Digital Thermometers

Having a temperature is indicative of an infection or an illness your body is trying to fight off. You need to use a thermometer to find out if you have a fever and how serious it is. Your doctor or pediatrician will ask you for this information when you call. One of the easiest ways to take your temperature is to use a digital thermometer. The temperature is displayed on a screen in numbers that can be read quickly and accurately.

Things You'll Need

• Soapy water
• Paper towel

Instructions

1. Take the thermometer out of its protective cover and wash the tip of it with some warm soapy water. Then dry it off with a paper towel.

2. Place the digital thermometer on the back of your tongue and close your mouth.

3. Press the button on the thermometer so that it will begin taking your temperature.

4. Remove the thermometer from your mouth when it beeps.

5. Read the degrees on your thermometer. If your temperature is over 98.6 degrees, you may have a fever.

6. Replace the digital thermometer in its protective case.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also wash your digital thermometer tip with rubbing alcohol instead of warm soapy water. You can take your temperature rectally. If you do, you must subtract a degree from the screen to get your correct temperature. You can take your temperature in your arm pit. If you do, you must add a degree to the screen to get your correct temperature.

• Don't bite on the thermometer if you want to get an accurate reading.