Taking oral temperature is a common method to check for fever using a digital thermometer.
Preparing to Take Oral Temperature
Before you begin, ensure the reading will be accurate. According to health guidelines, if you have recently eaten or had a drink, you should wait 30 minutes before you take a temperature by mouth. This waiting period helps ensure the temperature inside your mouth reflects your core body temperature rather than the temperature of the food or liquid consumed.
Steps for Taking Oral Temperature with a Digital Thermometer
Here’s a simple guide on how to take oral temperature using a digital thermometer, following standard recommendations:
- Turn on the thermometer: Locate the power button and press it to activate the device. Ensure the display shows it is ready for a reading.
- Position the tip: Carefully place the thermometer tip under your tongue. The tip should be positioned in one of the pockets under the tongue towards the back, which is a good location to measure temperature accurately.
- Close your mouth: Gently close your mouth around the thermometer. Avoid biting down on the device. Keeping your mouth closed helps to keep the thermometer stable and ensures an accurate reading environment.
- Wait for the signal: Hold the thermometer in place for the recommended amount of time or until the thermometer beep indicates it's done. The duration varies depending on the thermometer model, but digital thermometers usually beep when the peak temperature is reached and the reading is ready.
- Read the display: Remove the thermometer and read the temperature displayed on the screen.
Following these steps helps ensure you get a reliable temperature reading using the oral method.
