What kind of thermometer is used to take an oral temperature?
• A digital thermometer is used to take an oral temperature. It is a small hand-held device with a “window” showing your temperature in numbers. There are many kinds of digital thermometers. Most digital thermometers are easy to use and measure body temperature within seconds. Carefully read the instructions before using your digital thermometer. Digital thermometers can be bought at grocery, drug, or medical supply stores. • Glass thermometers with alcohol inside may also be used for oral temperatures. This thermometer is a thin glass tube with a red or blue line inside it. These thermometers are safe to use for people over the age of 5. A child younger than 5 may bite the thermometer, breaking it in their mouth. Glass thermometers with galinstan (GAL-in-stan) may also be used to check an oral temperature. Galinstan thermometers have a silver-colored line, but will be marked “mercury-free” when you buy one. Alcohol-filled and galinstan glass thermometers are harder to find in regular
