Question

What precautions will you take while measuring temperature with a laboratory thermometer? What extra precaution will you take while measuring body temperature with a clinical thermometer?

Answer 1

Precautions that should be taken while using a laboratory thermometer for measuring temperature are as follows:

• It should be properly washed before and after use.
• It should be kept upright while reading the temperature.
• Its bulb should be properly dipped into the liquid or perfectly touched to the surface of the material whose temperature is being measured.
• Its bulb should not touch the surface of the container in which the material or liquid has been placed.
• It should be handled with care, as it is made up of a glass tube.

Precautions that should be taken while using a clinical thermometer for measuring body temperature are as follows:

• Sterilise the thermometer using an antiseptic solution before and after its use.
• Ensure that the mercury level is below 35^oC before measuring the temperature.
• Take the reading keeping the level of mercury along the line of sight.
• Avoid holding it by its bulb while reading the temperature.