To check a thermometer, it depends on what kind it is and what you want to check:
- To check the accuracy of your thermometer , you can perform a boiling point test:
- Boil water in a pot until it reaches a rolling boil.
- Insert the thermometer in the boiling water for about one minute.
- It should read 212°F (100°C) if accurate.
- To use a thermometer to measure temperature (such as body temperature):
- For an oral digital thermometer: Place the tip under the tongue, close the mouth, and wait until it beeps. Then read the temperature.
* For an ear thermometer: Gently place it in the ear canal as per instructions until it beeps, then read.
* For a glass thermometer: Shake it down before use, hold at eye level, and read the level of liquid against the scale (Celsius or Fahrenheit). The liquid rises with temperature and falls when cool.
- General tips:
- Always clean the thermometer before and after use.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for the specific thermometer.
- Do not use glass mercury thermometers because of safety risks.
This is how thermometers are checked for accuracy and how temperature is read from them correctly. Would you like instructions for a specific type of thermometer?
