Should an extra 0.5 degrees be added when measuring temperature under the armpit using a mercury thermometer?

When it comes to mercury thermometers, many people are familiar with them, especially those who have children at home. Due to their poor physical resistance, children are prone to health issues. Therefore, it is necessary to have a thermometer at home to measure their temperature promptly when they are ill. The main body parts for temperature measurement are the mouth, underarm, and anus.

1. Should we add 0.5℃ when measuring underarm temperature with a mercury thermometer?

When using a mercury thermometer to measure underarm temperature, sometimes it is necessary to add 0.3℃ or 0.5℃ to the reading. This is mainly because the severity classification of body temperature is currently based on oral temperature. Therefore, when measuring underarm temperature, a conversion is required, which means adding 0.3℃ or 0.5℃ to the measurement. However, according to current clinical data, the human underarm temperature fluctuates between 36.0-37.0℃. If the underarm temperature exceeds 37.0℃, there is a fever even without data conversion. If you are familiar with the normal range of underarm temperature, you may not need to perform data conversion. Instead, you can make a judgment based on your daily life experience. If most people only remember 37.3℃ as the fever temperature, it is necessary to perform data conversion when using an underarm thermometer. If you are aware that 36.0-37.0℃ is the normal underarm temperature, you may not need to perform data conversion, which means no need to add or subtract 0.5℃.

2. Instructions for using a mercury thermometer

1. Before using a mercury thermometer to measure temperature, wipe it with 75% medical alcohol and dry it.

2. Check if the mercury column is below 35℃.

3. If the mercury column is not below 35℃, adjust it to below 35℃ before use.

4. After confirming that the mercury column is below 35℃, clamp one side of the metal head of the thermometer under the arm to measure the temperature.

5. After 5-10 minutes, remove the thermometer to check the temperature, taking care not to touch the metal head with your hand.

6. The maximum temperature reading of a mercury thermometer is 42℃. When storing or cleaning, the temperature should not exceed 42℃. Do not place the thermometer in hot water for cleaning or use it to measure the temperature of water or other objects.

7. Mercury thermometers are easy to break and may cause mercury (mercury) pollution. Therefore, they must be properly stored and handled with care, avoiding violent shocks, rolling, and slipping.