How to disinfect a thermometer

Thermometers are the most common medical devices in daily life. It can be said that every household has one. When using a thermometer, you should also understand some precautions. Because the thermometer is in close contact with the body, it is best to disinfect it before each use, especially mercury thermometers. You can use alcohol to disinfect them before use, which will make it healthier and safer to use.

How to disinfect a mercury thermometer?

Mercury thermometer is a very good and accurate thermometer. Through zero-distance contact with the body, the mercury thermometer can measure the body's most accurate temperature.

How to disinfect a mercury thermometer is a problem that many people are very troubled about. Disinfection must be thorough to be effective. After measuring, rinse the thermometer with warm water and then soak it in alcohol, preferably 75% alcohol. Take it out after soaking for 5 minutes, and then soak it in 75% alcohol for 30 minutes. Finally, just wash it with cold boiled water, and then put it inside the clean room for next use.

Due to the close contact between the thermometer and the body, many people attach great importance to the disinfection of the thermometer. It is important to remember that it is best not to put an unsterilized thermometer in your mouth for testing to avoid bacterial invasion.

Before use, clean the part that is inserted into the mouth with alcohol cotton. If you measure it by clamping it under the armpit, be sure to place the mercury in the middle of the armpit so that the measured temperature will be more accurate.

Usage and precautions of mercury thermometer Mercury thermometer is a traditional thermometer, and most people probably know how to use it. First, you must shake the thermometer to below 35℃, and then place the mercury end of the thermometer deepest under the armpit. After clamping, make sure the mercury is in close contact with the skin. Maintain it for 5-10 minutes before reading the value, and then wipe it clean with toilet paper.

If there is sweat under your armpits, it is not recommended to measure at this time, or you should wait until you wipe it clean before measuring, otherwise the measurement result will be inaccurate. If you have had a hot drink, or have just finished strenuous exercise or taken a shower, you need to rest for 30 minutes before measuring. Many people cannot be patient when measuring, especially babies, so they often let go of the thermometer before the time is up. At this time, they need to measure again and recalculate the time.

Some mercury thermometers can be used for oral measurements in addition to underarm measurements. When taking oral measurements, follow the same procedure: first, shake the thermometer to below 35°C, then place the thermometer under your tongue, press it firmly, and hold it in your mouth for about 7 minutes. Since there are bacteria in the mouth, the thermometer must be disinfected with alcohol after use. You can use a towel soaked in alcohol to gently wipe the thermometer from the tail end to the other end. If the baby is still young, oral measurement is not recommended. After all, the mercury in the mercury thermometer is harmful and can cause harm to the baby if used improperly.