Why doctor dips the thermometer in a liquid before use?
The old fashioned glass thermometers that have mercury inside, were dipped in an alcohol type dissinfectent. HOWEVER- mercury filled thermometers are NO LONGER AVAILABE in the United States because the mercury is a poisonus heavy metal…All thermometers sold today are electonic ones that have a new clean sheath placed on the end before use. The most reliable ones are the type doctors and hospitals use- a long plastic/metal probe placed under the tongue. A less reliable type is the popular probes that have a short end that is placed in the opening of the ear.
