Rectal thermometer - what is it and what are the rules of use

Rectal temperature is an essential indicator of human health. A change in this indicator is a sign of inflammatory processes. Elevated or decreased temperature requires immediate medical attention. Particular attention should be paid to changes in the state of the body during pregnancy.

Methods for measuring temperature

In modern medicine, 3 main methods are used:

1. Oral (in the oral cavity);
2. Axillary (in the armpit)
3. Rectal (in the canal of the rectum).

With the rectal method, various types of thermometers are used. Recently, electronic devices have received the greatest distribution. This is due to their safety, simplicity and ease of use.

Features of rectal temperature measurement

The determination of rectal temperature is carried out in the rectum. This method has the highest accuracy and reliability of measurement. This is caused by the same temperature of the rectum and internal organs.

The constancy and stability of temperature in the rectum are explained by the structural features of the anal canal. The presence of a sphincter that closes the anus from the external environment, allows you to measure the internal temperature of the body with the highest accuracy.

Read also: Features of using a mercury-free thermometer.

Types of rectal thermometers

In modern medical practice, 2 types of rectal thermometers are used:

• mercury;
• electronic.

A mercury rectal thermometer is cheap and versatile. In any home medicine cabinet there is always such a device. Unlike usual, such degree meter has a rounded end.

Mercury thermometer

The digital thermometer is widely used to determine rectal temperature.

Such measuring devices have a number of advantages:

• Ease of use.
• High speed research.
• Visibility of the results.
• Safety of use.

Digital thermometer

Electronic thermometers have rubber or silicone tips.

It takes up to 3 minutes to measure with a mercury device; when using the electronic version, it will take no more than 30 seconds to determine the temperature.

The process and measurement result are displayed on a small digital screen. The end of the process is indicated by an audio signal.

Mercury thermometers contain substances hazardous to the body. Violation of the rules for using the device increases the risk to the life and health of the patient.

Of particular relevance is the issue of the safety of mercury use when determining basal temperature. In an electronic device, all components are safe for human health.

Rules for using a rectal thermometer

1. Lightly shaking the mercury thermometer knock the value below 35 degrees. To start the electronic thermometer, press the on / off button. Readiness for work is determined by a flashing signal and a short beep.
   

   Measurement of rectal temperature in infants

2. Disinfect the device with an alcohol solution or wash it with warm water and soap.Particularly carefully process the tip of the thermometer.
3. Lubricate the tip with petroleum jelly or other gel composition (for example, baby cream). The applied lubricant facilitates the penetration of the tip into the rectum.
4. With independent measurement, they take the position of the body lying on its side. When determining the temperature of the child, he is laid on his knees belly down. The newborn is laid on the back, having previously bent legs at the knees.
   

   Rectal measurement on the side

5. Spread the buttocks and carefully insert the measuring tip into the anus to a depth of 2 cm. In doing so, hold the baby’s body firmly in one hand with the other hand, and hold the buttocks with the other hand. For convenience, the thermometer is held with the thumb and middle finger.
6. Measurements are carried out within 3 minutes (for electronic devices - within one minute). The end of the study is notified by a sound signal.
7. Carefully remove the device from the anus and determine the result.

Normal rectal temperature ranges from 36.7 to 37.3 degrees. With another method of measurement, this difference can be up to 0.3-0.5 degrees.

Precautionary measures

When using rectal thermometers, the following precautions should be observed:

1. Use the thermometer only for its intended purpose.
2. Do not use a rectal thermometer to determine the temperature by oral or other methods. This can lead to distortion of results and incorrect diagnosis.
3. To withstand the required time for research (when using mercury thermometers - 3 minutes, electronic - 1 minute).
4. Do not move while taking measurements. Careless movements can cause pain and injury.
5. Keep the thermometer out of the reach of children. Small parts of an electronic device (such as batteries) may be swallowed by a child.
6. Avoid hitting hard surfaces and do not drop the thermometer. This may cause damage to the device.
7. Do not expose the device to high temperatures (over 60 ° C).
8. Use only special disinfectants.
9. Do not immerse the thermometer in the disinfectant solution in a damaged form.

Damaged mercury thermometers must be disposed of immediately in the prescribed manner.

Pros and cons of a rectal thermometer

Both mercury and electronic rectal measuring instruments have advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of mercury thermometers:

• high accuracy (measurement error - 0.1 degrees);
• universality (the ability to use with other research methods);
• practicality;
• durability.

Disadvantages:

• health and environmental hazards of mercury;
• high measurement duration (up to 8-10 minutes);
• the need for periodic shaking.

Electronic thermometers have the following advantages:

• increased impact strength;
• water tightness;
• high speed of measurement (20-30 seconds);
• multifunctionality (backlight, memorization of the last values, the ability to select the scale, interchangeable caps, etc.).

Disadvantages:

• the need for periodic replacement of batteries;
• significant measurement error.

Popular thermometer models. Characteristics and cost.

Below are listed the most popular models of thermometers, their specifications and estimated cost.

Medical mercury thermometer Meridian No. 1

Application temperature from - 30 ºС to +40 ºС. Measured range: 35 ºС - 42 ºС. Graduation: 0.1 ºС. Accuracy: +/- 0.1 ºС. Warranty - 5 years. Production - Russia. Cost - no more than 100 rubles.

Medical mercury thermometer with protective plastic coating

Application temperature from - 50 ºС to +50 ºС. Measured range: 35 ºС - 42 ºС. Scale division: 0.1 ºС. Accuracy: +/- 0.1 ºС. Warranty - 5 years. Production - Russia. Cost - about 120 rubles.

Medical electronic thermometer AND DT-623 with a flexible silicone tip

The duration of one session is 60 seconds. Digital monochrome display. Accuracy ± 0.1 ºС. Shockproof housing.Auto shut off. Warranty - 1 year. Production - China. The cost is about 400 rubles.

Thermometer medical electronic Omron Eco Temp Basic

The duration of one session is 60 seconds. Choice of scale (ºС or ºF). Warranty - 3 years. Production - China. The cost is about 350 rubles.

Thermometer medical electronic B.Well WT-05

Measurement range: 32 ºС - 43 ºС. Graduation: 0.1 ºС. Accuracy: +/- 0.1 ºС. Warranty - 1 year. Production - Great Britain. Cost - about 200 rubles.

More detailed information on the products can be obtained on the manufacturers' websites and in the instructions attached to the devices.