5 Common Mistakes When Using a Digital Thermometer

It is important to note that digital temperatures have become essential gadgets in various homes, wildly when fanning the symptoms of an ailment such as fever or measuring body temperatures during ill health. They ease the work, save time, and increase efficiency, but are efficient if used appropriately. If a person misuses a digital thermometer, they make wrong decisions about their health based on wrong readings. The following are five simple errors that people make while using a digital thermometer and the measures to take to avoid them while using the device:

1. Failure to Place the Thermometer in the Right Position

One of the most significant errors a person can make during temperature measurements is the improper positioning of the thermometer. Oral thermometers should be placed under the tongue; rectal thermometers are placed in the rectum; ear thermometers are used on the ears, and the forehead thermometer is placed on the forehead. For instance, an oral thermometer should be inserted between the cheeks on the tongue and left there with the mouth shut. The thermometer will not give the correct body temperature when held inappropriately, for instance, along the cheek or teeth. 

Use general guidelines to prevent this, but always read thermometer-specific instructions. For oral thermometers, the probe should be placed under the tongue and slightly moved to the back of the mouth, and the mouth should be shut tightly. 

2. Taking the Temperature Too Soon After the Waiting Time

A widespread mistake related to using a thermometer is not waiting for it to complete a reading. Almost all digital thermometers produce a beep or signal to indicate that the reading is ready; however, sometimes, users may become impatient or misunderstand the signal and check the temperature before it has been safely measured. This is usually an inaccurate or even a partial record of the temperature, which may lead to either panic or a level of complacency.

To do this, the correct course of action is to take the thermometer out once it beeps, marking the end of the reading. Depending on the type of thermometer used, it may take a few seconds to complete and one minute to get the readings. The thermometer mustn't be removed before the reading is ready to be taken; this can cause much disturbance to the procedure.

3. Using the Thermometer Immediately After a meal, a drink, or any physical activity

Recent conditions, which include taking a meal, taking a drink, or even engaging in some form of physical activity, can affect the body temperature. For instance, when a hot cup of tea or cold water is used, it is evidence that when using an oral thermometer, the subsequent reading will give the wrong temperature of the mouth. Likewise, engaging in a lot of exercise will increase the body temperature, producing a regular reading that could be misleading.

General guidelines are to wait 15 to 30 minutes after eating, drinking, or exercising before taking the temperature using the thermometer. It is caused by waiting for some time, which unlocks the body temperature so that the thermometer gives temperatures of one's actual body heat, not elevation or decrease in temperatures.

4. Failure to Wash the Thermometer with Water After Every Use

Sanitization is crucial, especially when the thermometer is to be used again by other people in a family. Suppose the thermometer is not cleaned before being used again. In that case, it is likely to spread contaminants on the probe head, thereby returning inaccurate readings if it is dirty or contains other fluids. This is more so in places where different people handle the thermometer because it circulates germs and makes people more vulnerable to infections.

To avoid this mistake, clean your thermometer after use to prevent bacteria from touching your body. For such thermometers, one should clean them with rubbing alcohol, disinfect them with wipes, or wash them under running water and soap as per the manufacturer's recommendations.  Ensure the thermometer is completely dried to last a long time and give accurate results.

5. Overlooking the Battery Life or even Calibration Problems

Digital thermometers use batteries, which can cause malfunctioning of the device or even its total power off. Furthermore, ordinary thermometers deteriorate with time, and thus, their accuracy is usually affected. Many people never consider some of these factors and think their thermometer is always prepared to use.

To avoid this issue, consider the following guidelines. Often, inspecting the thermometer's battery condition and replacing the batteries when necessary would be best. Some may have lights to indicate the low battery condition, while others do not; checking the battery status is therefore advisable. If your thermometer can be adjusted, use your thermometer’s user guide to re-calibrate the device. Alternatively, you can consider purchasing a new measuring instrument, as it might not be as accurate as it used to be.

Conclusion

Measuring with a digital thermometer appears quite reasonable. However, failure during the process can lead to considerable errors. Thus, a thermometer will give you accurate temperature readings by ignoring mistakes like improper placement, not waiting long enough for readings, measuring after eating or exercising, not cleaning correctly, and not paying attention to batteries or instrument calibration.