6. Temperature-taking tips
1)It is important to know the normal temperature of each individual
when they are well. This is the only way to accurately diagnose a
fever. Record readings twice a day, once in the early morning and
once in the late afternoon. Take the average of these two tempera-
tures to obtain the normal oral equivalent temperature. As
temperature readings may vary among different locations on the
forehead, always take the temperature in the same location.
2)The normal temperature of a child can be as high as 37.7℃/99.9
℉ or as low as 36.1℃/97.0℉. Please note that this thermometer
reads 0.5℃/0.9℉ lower than a rectal digital thermometer.
3)External factors may influence human body temperature,
including when an individual has:
a) been exposed to a very hot or very cold environment;
b) just been swimming or bathing.
In these cases, return to normal condition by waiting quietly for 30
minutes before taking the reading.
4)The person to be measured and the thermometer should stay in a
steady-state room condition for at least 30 minutes before taking
the reading.
5)Before placing the thermometer probe on the forehead, remove
hair, dirt or sweat from the measurement area. Wait 10 minutes
after cleaning before taking the reading.
6)Wiping the forehead with a warm or cool cloth may affect the
reading; in this case, it is advisable to wait 10 minutes before taking
the reading.
7)In the following situations, it is recommended to measure 3‒5
times in the same location and take the highest temperature as the
reading:
a) Newborn infants in the first 100 days;
b) Children under 3 years of age with compromised immune
systems;
c) When the user is learning how to use the thermometer for the
first time, until he/she has familiarized him/herself with the
instrument and can obtain consistent readings.
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