Expert Tips for Accurate Temperature Measurement
High School
Temperature measurement is a fundamental healthcare skill. Mastering it is just as crucial in medicine as knowing the correct way to take blood pressure. That’s why we’re pleased to share this important guide, How to Get an Accurate Temperature Measurement,1 as a key resource to precision in this fundamental task.
Why Accurate Temperature Measurement Matters – The highs and lows.
In healthcare, a difference of even a few degrees can lead to dramatically different outcomes.2 Accurate temperature readings are crucial for ensuring patient safety. A fever (an adult body temperature above 100.4°F) is often one of the first signs of an infection. Even temperatures slightly above normal, such as those between 99°F and 100.4°F for adults, can signal more subtle health issues like a systemic inflammatory response, especially in postoperative patients.
On the other extreme, hypothermia (an adult body temperature below 95°F) can be life-threatening. Hypothermia can result from exposure to cold weather or water and significantly impair the heart, nervous system, and other organ functions.2 In critical care settings, even mild hypothermia can complicate clinical outcomes and increase mortality rates,3 demonstrating how critical a precise understanding and control of temperature is in medical diagnostics and treatment.
Download the Temperature Measurement Guide for step-by-step instructions to help ensure that professionals and students get reliable results.
What They Will Learn
The guide covers everything from selecting the right thermometers to troubleshooting common issues that can lead to inaccurate readings. Highlights include:
- Choosing Your Equipment
- Importance of Calibration
- Environmental Considerations
- Practical Tips and Tricks
With precise knowledge comes precise results. Ensure you have the tools you need to measure temperatures accurately with this essential guide!
1.How to Get an Accurate Temperature Measurement, (c) American Diagnostic Corporation. Used with permission. 2. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Chapter 218 Temperature. 3. European Journal of Medical Research: Association of body temperature and mortality in critically ill patients, 2024.
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ADC® Adtemp 424 Thermometer
Easy to use Tympanic thermometer measures core temperature instantly. Convenient, economical probe covers make it the ideal instrument for all patient types.
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ADC® Adtemp Mini 432 Non-Contact Thermometer
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ADC® Adtemp 429 No Contact Thermometer
Features an infrared sensor that reads temperature from the middle of the forehead safely and conveniently. Provides one-second results with minimal risk of cross-contamination.
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