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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
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Children's Health |
Taking an infant`s rectal temperature03/02/2005 |
Hello, I am wondering, now that there is a MERCURY FREE glass rectal thermometer available for infants would you recommend using this thermometer for checking an infant`s rectal temperature?
Checking an infant or child's temperature is always an issue, where to check, when to check, how to check are the subject of many differing opinions. Typically the easiest place to check the temperature will depend on the child: forehead, ear, mouth, armpit and rectum each have their advantages and disadvantages. Lately most parents have been opting for tympanic (ear) thermometer because of ease and speed of use.
The easier question regards the Mercury Free products, which include all electronic thermometers and the one that you mentioned. The toxicity associated with mercury argues against using it in any household product. The problem with any glass thermometer, mercury or other, is that they remain very easy to break.
The most crucial use of temperature is when calling your primary care provider, I would discuss the various methods and locations of checking temperature with them so the both of you agree on the best thermometer and how to use it.
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Michael Spigarelli, MD, PhD Assistant Professor Division of Adolescent Medicine Department of Pediatrics Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center University of Cincinnati |
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