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You cannot find mercury thermometers in the pharmacy chain of Orel and the region. They just disappeared. The head of the regional Department of Health, Ivan Zalogin, said at one of the briefings that mercury thermometers had been discontinued from production and sale and suggested that Oryol residents measure their temperature with Galinstan or electronic thermometers. You won’t find Galistan ones in Oryol pharmacies, and there is little trust in electronic ones; they have not yet become something familiar to us. That’s why many people don’t know how to use them, although in fact the device is quite reliable and certainly won’t break.
Accuracy - up to 1.5 degrees
The operating principle of an electronic thermometer differs significantly from the classic mercury thermometer. The indication of temperature in the second occurs due to the increase in the volume of mercury when heated, which by and large makes it unimportant how to hold it. In electronic thermometers, the sensor is located at the end, so only the heating of this part affects the readings. The rest of the thermometer is just wires. It is for this reason that you need to carefully monitor the position of the thermometer to achieve accuracy. If the contact with the body is loose or the sensor is partially free, the temperature will be lower.
The error of an electronic thermometer can be quite large (1.5 degrees), especially if you measured the temperature incorrectly and quickly.
Tips for fever
An elevated temperature in a baby is the body’s response to an emerging infectious process. There is no need to immediately give your baby medications, thereby preventing the immune system from performing its direct functions. Constantly monitor the dynamics of temperature, carefully monitor the condition of your child. But as soon as the thermometer reaches 38.5ºC, start lowering the temperature with antipyretics. It is best to consult with your pediatrician or emergency physician before choosing the most appropriate drug for your child. Follow the prescribed dosage and do not forget to constantly offer your baby water.
At elevated temperatures, the body experiences a process of dehydration, which accelerates after taking medications. And this gives rise to a weakened immune system and a number of other health problems. Also, do not wrap your child in clothes that are too warm, this will only worsen his condition.
Many parents, at elevated temperatures, begin to wet the baby's skin with cold water. Our grandmothers used this method to lower the temperature. However, under no circumstances should this be done, because after wetting and dousing only the temperature of the skin decreases. The temperature of the internal organs is still high, and you may not even know it.
Can you measure your temperature in your mouth?
Most electronic thermometers are equipped with a sound sensor that notifies you that the temperature has been measured. But you shouldn’t delude yourself. Most instructions indicate that the beep does not indicate the end of the measurement. Your temperature may still rise. So it’s better to hold the thermometer longer, up to 10 minutes in total, like the mercury thermometer.
By the way, in the USA it is customary to measure temperature in the mouth, and not in the armpit, in which the thermometer does not have time to warm up. Even expensive models of thermometers with a larger sensor, specifically designed for measuring under the arm, show 0.2-0.3 degrees less. So in this case we can take an example from the Americans.
By the way, a thermometer is not afraid of moisture, but you need to measure the temperature with a dry thermometer.
Where can you take your temperature?
— The traditional way is to measure in the armpit. It is actively used in older children, to whom it is already possible to explain why the procedure is being performed, as well as for those who do not yet roll over or sit up, for example, a month-old baby.
— A thermometer is placed in the butt (rectally or in the rectum) for babies using an electronic thermometer. To do this, its tip must first be moistened in Vaseline, and then be disinfected.
During the procedure, the baby is placed on his side and his knees are lightly pressed against his tummy. The thermometer is inserted no further than 1.5–2 cm. The rectal mucosa is very vulnerable, so manipulation must be carried out carefully.
— You can place the device in your mouth. It is important that the child does not try to gnaw or chew it. To do this, it is better to offer the baby a thermometer-pacifier.
— You can also measure the temperature in the ear. This can only be done using an ear thermometer. Other devices are not suitable for this. To place the nose of the thermometer in your ear, you need to slightly pull the earlobe back and slightly up.
Test for checking an electronic thermometer
If you doubt the accuracy of the thermometer readings, you can carry out the following simple test using two thermometers - mercury and electronic and a glass of water. Take plain warm water and place both thermometers there. After three minutes you can already see how well the electronic thermometer works. If the data from the electronic thermometer is very different, then you have a direct route to the service center. In addition, electronic thermometers have a significant warranty period.
By the way, the temperature test can be carried out not only on water, but also on yourself by measuring the temperature with a mercury and electronic thermometer. You can simply remember the difference in readings and then simply “add” the missing degrees. Typically the difference is about 2 tenths. That is, on mercury 36.6, on electronic - 36.4. On mercury 37.5 - on electronic 37.3.
So, let's summarize.
- Be sure to hold the thermometer correctly (vertical/downward angle, press firmly). Do not move with a thermometer.
- Ignore the squeaking sound; hold the thermometer under your arm for the same amount of time as the mercury thermometer until the temperature finally stops increasing (up to 10 minutes).
- Measure the temperature not under the armpit, but in the mouth - the result will be more accurate.
- It is better to first test the purchased electronic thermometer.
- Do not measure temperature with a wet thermometer.
You can read more about electronic thermometers here.
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Author: Evgeny Kuznetsov
Electronic thermometer shows temperature lower than mercury: deception or not
Let's tell you why an electronic thermometer is not as accurate as a mercury thermometer...
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Although electronic thermometers have become widespread relatively recently, they are already actively used in everyday life.
Today there is a widespread belief that all electronic thermometers are inaccurate - they show the wrong temperature, and mercury thermometers are more accurate
In reality, these two types of thermometers measure precise temperature. It’s just that not all people know how to use a thermometer correctly. The stamp of an electronic thermometer shows a temperature lower than mercury is a direct misconception.
It’s worth noting right away that not all electronic thermometers are absolutely accurate - thermometers from well-known companies are often counterfeited. The chance of running into such equipment is especially high if you buy a thermometer not at a pharmacy, but at a simple electronics store
Some electronic thermometers may have damaged sensors that may also fail during transportation. Sometimes electronic thermometers are initially made from low-quality materials.
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In order to be sure that the thermometer is measuring correctly, it is necessary to compare its readings with a mercury thermometer immediately after purchase. You can also carry out a control measurement in the service.
Electronic thermometers - a total deception or a universal conspiracy
According to Elena Gorbacheva, candidate of medical sciences and head of the therapeutic department of medical sciences, electronic thermometers usually show a lower temperature when malfunctioning.
At the same time, many people themselves make the mistake of stopping measurement after the sound signal emitted by the thermometer. Most users consider the sound signal to be the moment the measurement is completed, although in fact it takes about five more minutes to measure the temperature after such a signal.
This is why the problem is that the electronic thermometer shows a temperature lower than the mercury you sucked out of your finger.
Typically, electronic thermometers are more “mistaken” when a person’s temperature is normal—in this case, an electronic thermometer can show a temperature from 34.6 to 36.6 degrees.
If the body temperature is above 37 degrees, the electronic thermometer will show correct data. However, some electronic thermometers have an error at elevated body temperature - instead of 38 degrees, they may show 38.4 degrees.
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How to set up an electronic thermometer
Experts advise setting up electronic thermometers yourself, since the errors that arise are identical on all devices.
You can determine how inaccurate a thermometer is by measuring a person’s temperature first with an electronic thermometer and then with a mercury thermometer. Next, we simply compare the results and in the future, when using an electronic thermometer, we need to take into account the error
It is also necessary to replace the thermometer battery on time.
Indeed, mercury thermometers are the most accurate, but they are also extremely dangerous. If the glass body of a mercury thermometer breaks, it is incredibly difficult to collect and neutralize all the mercury. So the production and improvement of electronic thermometers is more than justified.
Thus, if an electronic thermometer shows a temperature lower than a mercury thermometer, simply measure the temperature longer.
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