Stethoscope , Sphygmomanometer ,

& Thermometer

Lecture by Dr Muhammad Ali

Stethoscope

• Rene Theophile Hyacinthe Laënnec (1781–1826) was a French physician who,

in 1816, invented the stethoscope. Using this new instrument, he investigated
the sounds made by the heart and lungs and determined that his diagnoses
were supported by the observations made during autopsies.
• The stethoscope may be the one instrument common to all doctors. The
word stethoscope comes from the Greek words stethos, meaning chest,
and skopein, meaning to explore. This instrument may even supersede the
caduceus as the symbol of medicine – no other symbol so strongly identifies a
doctor than a stethoscope dangling around the neck like a talisman.
• Laënnec discovered that heart sounds could be
heard more clearly and loudly using mediate
auscultation rather than immediate auscultation.
• Laënnec spent the next 3 years testing various
types of materials to make tubes, perfecting his
design and listening to the chest findings of
patients with pneumonia.
• After careful experimenting, Laënnec decided upon
a hollow tube of wood, 3.5 cm in diameter and 25
cm long, which was the forerunner of the modern
stethoscope. His instrument was fitted with a plug
when used to listen to the heart and to make it
portable, was made in parts that could be
disassembled
Binaural Stethoscope

• A binaural stethoscope is a vital medical tool used for

auscultation, the process of listening to the internal
sounds of the body, particularly the heart, lungs, and
bowel.
• It features two earpieces connected to flexible tubing,
which leads to a chest piece that usually has two sides:
a diaphragm and a bell.
• The diaphragm is designed to detect higher-pitched
sounds, such as normal heartbeats or lung sounds,
while the bell is sensitive to lower-frequency sounds,
useful for detecting heart murmurs and abnormal blood
flow.
• The binaural design allows sound to be transmitted
through the tubes to both ears, offering a stereo-like
experience that enhances clarity and accuracy in
diagnosing medical conditions.
• This type of stethoscope is essential in various clinical
settings, including cardiovascular assessments,
pulmonary exams, and blood pressure monitoring.
Modern Stethoscope

• The modern stethoscope has

advanced significantly from its early
versions, incorporating innovations that
enhance its functionality and comfort.
While it retains the traditional acoustic
design, many models now include
electronic amplification, allowing for
clearer and more accurate detection of
subtle heart, lung, and bowel sounds.
• Noise reduction features have also
become standard, helping physicians
filter out ambient noise, which is
especially useful in busy clinical
settings.
• Additionally, digital stethoscopes have emerged, featuring Bluetooth
connectivity and the ability to record and store sounds for further analysis or
telemedicine consultations.
• These digital models can even connect to apps or computers, providing a
platform for real-time remote diagnostics. Some models also use AI to assist in
diagnosing abnormal sounds, making them a valuable tool in early detection of
conditions like heart murmurs. Ergonomic improvements, including lightweight
materials and comfortable ear tips, have further increased the utility and comfort
of modern stethoscopes, making them essential tools in both traditional and
high-tech medical environments.
Parts of stethoscope

• Chest Piece (Head):

• This is the part of the stethoscope placed on the patient’s
body. It typically has two sides:
• Diaphragm: The larger, flat side used for listening to
high-frequency sounds (e.g., heart, lung sounds).
• Bell: The smaller, concave side used for detecting
low-frequency sounds (e.g., certain heart murmurs).
• Tubing:
• The flexible tube connects the chest piece to the binaural
(ear tubes) and transmits the sound from the chest piece to
the listener’s ears. It is made of rubber or PVC, designed to
carry sound with minimal interference.
• Binaural (Ear Tubes):
• These are the metal tubes that connect to the tubing and
split into two earpieces. They transmit sound from the tubing
into the ears.
Continue
Ear piece
• These are the soft tips placed into the listener’s ears. They are designed for comfort
and to form a seal that helps in blocking external noise while amplifying the body
sounds. Earpieces are often made from silicone or rubber.
Stem:
• This is the small metal connector between the tubing and the chest piece. It allows
the user to rotate the chest piece to switch between the diaphragm and the bell.
• Each part of the stethoscope plays a role in accurately capturing and transmitting
sound to aid in clinical diagnosis.
Working principle

• The working principle of a stethoscope is based on the acoustic transmission of sound waves produced by the body. When placed on
the skin, the chest piece of the stethoscope detects vibrations caused by physiological sounds such as heartbeats, lung sound s, and
bowel noises. Here’s a detailed overview of how it operates:
• Sound Production: Physiological sounds arise from various bodily functions. For instance, the heart generates sounds with each beat,
while the lungs produce sounds during inhalation and exhalation. These sounds create vibrations in the body tissues.
• Detection by Chest Piece: The chest piece, which has a diaphragm and/or bell, acts as a sensor. The diaphragm detects high-
frequency sounds due to its flat surface, which is ideal for capturing crisp sounds like heartbeats and normal breath sounds.
Conversely, the bell is designed to pick up low-frequency sounds, such as heart murmurs or abnormal lung sounds.
• Sound Transmission through Tubing: Once the chest piece detects the vibrations, they are transmitted through the flexible tubing.
The design of the tubing helps maintain sound quality by minimizing sound loss and external interference.
Continue

• Amplification and Reception: The sound travels through the tubing to the binaural,
which splits the sound into two channels that lead to the earpieces. The earpieces fit
snugly in the clinician's ears, allowing for effective sound amplification and improved
clarity. The shape and material of the earpieces help isolate external noise, enabling the
healthcare provider to focus on the sounds coming from the patient.
• Interpretation: The clinician listens to the transmitted sounds through the stethoscope
and interprets them to assess the patient’s health status. This can include identifying
abnormal heart rhythms, detecting lung abnormalities, or assessing bowel activity.
History

• William Harvey during the early 1600s who announced that there is a finite amount of blood
that circulated the body in one direction only. In the mid-1700s, Reverend Stephen Hales
reported the first invasive measurement in horses and smaller animals.
• Poiseuille introduced in the early 1800s the mercury hydrodynometer and the mmHg units.
• Karl von-Vierordt described in 1855 that with enough pressure, the arterial pulse could be
obliterated. He also created the sphygmograph, a pulse recorder usable for routine non-
invasive monitoring on humans.
• In 1881, von Basch created the sphygmomanometer and the first non-invasive BP
measurements.
Continue
• However, in 1896, Scipione Riva-Rocci
developed further the mercury
sphygmomanometer, almost as we
know it today. The sphygmomanometer
could only be used to determine the
systolic BP. Observing the pulse
disappearance via palpitation would
only allow the measuring physician to
observe the point when the artery was
fully constricted.
• Nikolai Korotkoff was the first to
observe the sounds made by the
constriction of the artery in 1905.
Introduction
• The word sphygmomanometer is derived from the Greek
word 'sphygmos' meaning beating of the heart or the
pulse and manometer mean the device used for measuring
the pressure or tension.
• An instrument for measuring blood pressure, typically
consisting of an inflatable rubber cuff which is applied
to the arm and connected to a column of mercury next
to a graduated scale, enabling the determination
of systolic and diastolic blood pressure by increasing
and gradually releasing the pressure in the cuff.
• A sphygmomanometer is used to indirectly measure
arterial blood pressure. Sphygmomanometry is the process
of manually measuring one's blood pressure.
• This is the blood pressure cuff that one would see in the
Doctor's office, or in a medical clinical/setting. This is seen in
the pictures on the right.
Construction Of
Sphygmomanometer
• The sphygmomanometer consists of
• An inflatable arm cuff
• A bulb pump for pumping air into the cuff, and a valve
for letting air out of the cuff
• A column of mercury, to display the changing
pressure
• A pressure meter/dial (manometer), which measures
the air pressure, with the help of the rising mercury
• In addition to the sphygmomanometer, a
stethoscope is also used to listen to the sounds of
blood flowing through the brachial artery.
Bulb

• The bulb pumps air into the cuff. An

end (check) valve prevents air from
escaping. Bulbs are made from either
spin cast PVC, or dip molded
neoprene. ADLFOW filter screen-
protected end valves provide an
additional dust barrier.
Valve

• The deflation valve allows for

controlled deflation of the cuff –
critical for accurate measurement.
valve is machined from solid brass
and plated in both nickel and chrome.
Filter screen protection and
microthread design ensure precision
and long life.
Manometer

• The portion of the sphygmomanometer that

measures the air pressure in mmHg. The aneroid
contains a watch-like movement that measures the
air pressure applied to the cuff. Within the gauge is a
series of copper/berrylium diaphragms that expand
when filled with air. Gears convert the linear
movement of the diaphragms, turning the needle on a
dial calibrated in mmHg. Gauges are serialized for
traceability. Manometers are available in pocket,
palm, and clock models. Current standards require
gauges to be accurate to, plus or minus, 3mmHg.
Cuff

• The cuff is designed to hold the bladder around

the limb during measurement. A properly
designed cuff will ensure proper placement
and positioning – essential for accurate
measurement.
• Artery, index and range indicators combined
with vivid graphics and color coding simplify
cuff sizing, selection, and use.
Bladder

• The bladder is the inflatable bag that, when

filled, compresses the arm to occlude the
artery. Bladders should follow very specific
sizing parameters to ensure full arterial
compression. TPE bladder tubes remain
flexible and elastic. Available in single, or
double, tube configurations to work with
virtually all manual sphygs and NIBP
monitors.
Definitions

• Blood Pressure: Pressure exerted on the walls of blood vessels while blood is
moving through the body. This is measured in mmHg and displayed as 'systolic
blood pressure/diastole blood pressure' (mmHg).
• Normal blood pressure values are around 120/80mmHg . If values are below
90/60mmHg, that would be considered low blood pressure hypotension . Blood
pressure values above 140/90 mmHg would be considered high blood
pressure, and is classified as hypertension .If it is 180/120mmHg, that is
dangerously high and would require medical attention.
Continue
• Systole: The contraction phase of the
cardiac cycle, when the heart fills with
blood.
• Diastole: The relaxation phase of the
cardiac cycle, when the heart empties the
blood.
• Systolic Pressure: Pressure that is
exerted on the arteries as blood is leaving
the heart during ventricular systole.
• Diastolic Pressure: Pressure that is
exerted on the arteries during ventricular
relaxation (diastole).
Tyes of
sphygmomanometer

• Mercury
Sphygmomanometer
• Aneriod sphygmomanometer
• Automatic Digital
Sphygmomanometer
Mercury Sphygmomanometer

• It is the most used type of

sphygmomanometer. It consists of a graded
tube containing mercury which measures
the pressure applied by the bladder of the
inflatable rubber cuff on the upper arm. For
correct measurements, the instrument is
kept on a flat surface. The advantage of this
type is that it can last for a long time but due
to the presence of mercury which is a toxic
metal it is banned in some countries.
Aneriod
syphagmomanometer

• It does not use any type of

fluid for measuring
pressure. In this type, the
stethoscope is directly
attached to the cuff which
is further attached to a
gauge with a dial. The
gauge shows the pressure
inside the cuff.
Automatic Digital Sphygmomanometer

• It measures blood pressure

electronically based on the
fluctuations of the arteries. The cuff
is directly connected to the device
and it inflates and deflates with just a
press of a button. It has a digital
display to display the value of blood
pressure. Due to these types being
without any fluid they can be
transported from one place to
another more easily.
Non Invasive and
Invasive BP Measuring
Techniques

• Non-invasive blood pressure

monitoring refers to techniques used
to measure blood pressure without
penetrating the skin or entering blood
vessels. These methods are widely
used in clinical settings and at home
due to their safety, convenience, and
ease of use.
PALPATION METHOD

• Procedure: In this method, the cuff is

inflated around the arm until the pulse in the
artery (usually the radial artery) can no
longer be felt. The cuff is then gradually
deflated, and the point at which the pulse
returns (systolic pressure) is noted.
• Advantages: Simple, doesn’t require any
instruments beyond the cuff.
• Disadvantages: It only provides an estimate
of systolic blood pressure and doesn’t
measure diastolic pressure. It's less precise
compared to other methods and can be
influenced by the skill of the examiner.
Auscultatory Method

• Procedure: This is the gold standard for blood pressure

measurement. A cuff is inflated to occlude the artery, and
as it deflates, a stethoscope is placed over the brachial
artery to detect Korotkoff sounds. The appearance of the
sounds marks the systolic pressure, and the
disappearance marks the diastolic pressure.
• Advantages: Highly accurate and reliable when
performed properly. It measures both systolic and
diastolic pressures.
• Disadvantages: Requires training and skill to perform
accurately, and environmental noise can interfere with
detecting Korotkoff sounds.
Oscillometric Technique

• Procedure: This technique is used in most

automated blood pressure monitors. The cuff is
inflated above systolic pressure, then deflated
gradually. Instead of listening for sounds, the
device detects oscillations in the artery as blood
flows. These oscillations are used to estimate
systolic and diastolic pressures.
• Advantages: Easy to use, doesn’t require a
stethoscope or manual skill. It's useful in clinical
settings and for home monitoring. Reliable when
the patient is still and the conditions are optimal.
• Disadvantages: Less accurate in cases of
irregular heart rhythms, such as arrhythmias.
Readings may vary depending on the device used
and the user’s posture.
Ultrasound Techniques

• Procedure: Doppler ultrasound is used to

measure blood flow in the arteries. A cuff is
placed on the arm, and an ultrasound probe
is used to detect the movement of blood as
the cuff is inflated and deflated. This
technique is often used in specific clinical
situations where traditional methods are
difficult to apply (e.g., with infants).
• Advantages: Useful in special populations,
such as infants or those with weak pulses.
• Disadvantages: Requires specific
equipment and expertise, making it less
commonly used outside specialized
settings.
The Finger Cuff Method ( The Penaz Method)

• Procedure: This method uses an inflatable cuff

placed on the finger to measure blood pressure by
detecting changes in blood volume in the finger's
artery. The Penaz method continuously monitors
blood pressure by analyzing the pressure needed
to maintain blood flow at a constant level in the
finger.
• Advantages: Provides continuous, real-time
blood pressure measurements, useful for
monitoring during surgery or in critical care
settings.
• Disadvantages: Not as widely used in everyday
clinical settings due to the complexity of the
device and potential for measurement errors due
to finger movement or cold temperatures affecting
circulation.
Invasive • Invasive Methods for Blood Pressure
Measurement involve direct access to an
artery, allowing for continuous, highly
Methods accurate monitoring of blood pressure.
These methods are typically used in
intensive care settings, during major
surgeries, or in situations where precision
and real-time data are critical.
Arterial Line (Intra-arterial Measurement):
Procedure: A catheter is inserted directly into an artery, usually the radial, femoral, or brachial artery. The catheter is
connected to a pressure transducer, which continuously measures the arterial blood pressure. This data is displayed on a
monitor, providing real-time systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) readings.

Advantages:

Continuous Monitoring: Provides real-time, highly accurate blood pressure data, making it invaluable during surgeries and
for critically ill patients.

Accuracy: More accurate than non-invasive methods, especially in patients with irregular heart rhythms, low blood pressure
(hypotension), or shock.

Sample Collection: The arterial line allows easy access to arterial blood for blood gas analysis (ABG), reducing the need for
repeated needle sticks.
Disadvantages:

• Infection Risk: Since this is an invasive

procedure, there’s a risk of infection at the
catheter site, especially if the line is in
place for extended periods.
• Bleeding and Thrombosis: Inserting a
catheter into an artery can lead to
complications like bleeding, hematoma, or
arterial occlusion (blockage due to a clot).
• Nerve Damage: Prolonged use of an
arterial line in certain arteries, like the
femoral artery, can lead to nerve
compression or damage.
Pulmonary Artery Catheter (Swan-Ganz
Catheter):

• Procedure: A catheter is inserted into a central vein

(usually the internal jugular or subclavian vein) and
then guided through the heart chambers into the
pulmonary artery. It provides indirect blood
pressure readings by measuring pulmonary artery
pressures and estimating the left atrial pressure,
which can be used to assess overall cardiovascular
function.
• Advantages: It offers additional hemodynamic data,
such as cardiac output and pulmonary pressures,
making it useful in managing complex cardiac or
pulmonary conditions.
• Disadvantages: This method is more invasive and
carries significant risks, including infection,
arrhythmia, and pulmonary artery rupture.
Ambulatory Monitoring

• An Ambulatory Blood Pressure

Monitor (ABPM) is a device used to
measure blood pressure
continuously over 24 hours while the
patient goes about their normal daily
activities, including sleep. It provides
a more accurate representation of a
person’s blood pressure patterns
compared to a single, isolated
measurement in a clinical setting.
• Setup: A cuff is placed around the upper arm, connected to a small device that records blood pressure readings at
regular intervals (typically every 15-30 minutes during the day and every 30-60 minutes at night).
• Measurement: The device uses the oscillometric method to record systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure. The
data is stored in the monitor and can later be downloaded to a computer for analysis by healthcare providers.
• Advantages:
• Comprehensive Data: ABPM provides a complete picture of blood pressure fluctuations throughout the day, allowing
for the detection of masked hypertension (normal BP in the clinic but high BP at home) and white coat hypertension
(elevated BP in the clinic but normal BP at home).
• Nighttime BP Monitoring: It tracks nocturnal blood pressure, which is important for assessing conditions like
nocturnal hypertension (high BP during sleep) and determining if a patient is a dipper or non-dipper (how much BP
drops at night). Non-dipping is linked to higher cardiovascular risks.
• Diagnosis and Management: ABPM is more accurate in diagnosing hypertension and assessing the
effectiveness of blood pressure medication, as it avoids the variability seen in single measurements due to
factors like stress or physical activity.
• Disadvantages:
• Discomfort: The frequent inflation of the cuff, especially during sleep, can be uncomfortable and may
disturb the patient’s rest.
• Cost: ABPM is more expensive than a regular blood pressure check, and in some regions, it may not be
covered by insurance.
• Availability: It requires special equipment and may not be available in all healthcare facilities, especially in
low-resource settings.
Disadvantages:

• Discomfort: The frequent inflation of the cuff, especially during sleep,

can be uncomfortable and may disturb the patient’s rest.
• Cost: ABPM is more expensive than a regular blood pressure check, and
in some regions, it may not be covered by insurance.
• Availability: It requires special equipment and may not be available in all
healthcare facilities, especially in low-resource settings.
Clinical use

• Hypertension Diagnosis: ABPM is considered the gold standard for diagnosing

hypertension, especially in cases of white coat or masked hypertension.
• Treatment Assessment: It helps in tailoring antihypertensive therapy by
providing a clear picture of how blood pressure responds to medications over
time.
• Risk Prediction: Continuous monitoring over 24 hours is a better predictor of
cardiovascular risk compared to single office measurements.
Guidelines for measuring blood
pressure
• No food or drink within 30 minutes
• Empty your bladder beforehand
• Ensure that your body is relatively warm (not cold) to avoid inaccurate results
• Ensure that you are relaxed, and not nervous or anxious
• No talking during the procedure
• The cuff is against your bare skin, sleeves loosely rolled up
• Sitting up straight on a chair with your back supported - sit quietly for a few minutes prior to measuring
• Feet flat on the floor in front of you, with your legs uncrossed
• Rest your left forearm with the cuff on a table/surface at chest height, your palm should be facing up - use the
left arm since it is closer to the heart, but you can also compare both sides
• Ensure that the cuff fits well around your arm - you don't want it too loose, or too tight that it is uncomfortable
and restricting
Procedure
• Locate the brachial pulse in the elbow crease (cubital
fossa), with the index and middle fingers. If it is not easily
located, it can be found using the head of the stethoscope.
• The cuff is wrapped around the middle of the upper arm, so
it surrounds the brachial artery. The bottom of the cuff
should be 1 inch from the cubital fossa. It should be placed
relatively snug, but not too tight to make the person
uncomfortable.
• Before inflating the cuff with the bulb pump, ensure that the
airflow valve on the bulb pump is closed, by screwing it
clockwise.
• With the bulb pump, pump air into the cuff until the pressure
exceeds arterial pressure by about 30mmHg . Due to this
pressure being greater than arterial pressure, the brachial
artery is squeezed closed and blood flow is stopped.
• When you place the head of the stethoscope over the
brachial artery (in the cubital fossa), there would be no
sound due to the absence of blood flow.
Continue
• Gently open the airflow valve. You will notice the pressure in the cuff begins to decline, and will fall below the arterial p ressure. There
should only be a change of 2-3mmHg per heartbeat when you first open the air valve.
• The blood will be able to flow through the artery and will create a turbulent flow. This turbulent flow will create sharp sounds,
which are heard through the stethoscope. These sharp sounds are known as Korotkoff sounds.
• The pressure at which the first tapping sound (Korotkoff sound) is heard represents systolic blood pressure. This can be
read on the manometer/dial. This occurs when the cuff pressure decreases and is unable to keep the brachial artery closed
during systole. As the artery is gradually opening and blood flow is gradually increasing, turbulence is reduced and produces
sounds.
• Once the sounds can be heard, the valve is slowly released to enable the blood flow to increase, and the cuff pressure to
decrease. [There will be a series of louder, more pronounced sounds, at varying pitches, as the turbulence decreases and
blood flow increases.
• Diastolic pressure will be reached when the sounds are no longer heard. This occurs because the turbulent flow
diminishes.
• Once the test is complete, fully release air pressure valve to deflate the cuff before taking it off the patient's arm.
Korotkoff sound

• The Korotkoff sounds are the loud

thumping sounds you'll hear through
the stethoscope while deflating the
sphygmomanometer.
• Systolic blood pressure is indicated
by the first Korotkoff sound that is
heard.
• Diastolic blood pressure is
indicated after all Korotkoff sounds
have been heard through the
stethoscope.
Factors affecting arterial Blood Pressure

• Factors that can directly affect your true blood pressure reading
include:
• Being nervous or anxious, therefore raising one's blood pressure
• Having eaten or drank 30 minutes before the blood pressure test,
which includes alcohol or caffeine, raising the blood pressure
• Having exercised within 30 minutes of the blood pressure test
• Having smoked within 30 minutes of the blood pressure test
• Posture/the way the patient is sitting - crossing their legs, and letting
their arm hang at their sides can cause the blood pressure to go up
• Note the definition White Coat Syndrome - this is when someone's
blood pressure is consistently/purposely higher in the lab/Doctor's
office setting, most likely due to nervousness, anxiety, or similar
factors.
Internal factors

• Internal factors that can affect your blood pressure include:

• ≥40 years of age
• Overweight or obese
• Family history of heart disease or diabetes
• Birth control pills
• Ethnicity of Black/African American
• Relying on precise BP readings is important, ambulatory BP monitoring is currently
regarded as the gold standard technique for clinical decision making and is a better
predictor of outcomes than office and home BP monitoring.
Risks
• If you did not manage to get the measurement while conducting the test, and need to
redo it, take off the cuff, and wait a few minutes before starting over, to minimize any
discomfort of impeded blood flow to the patient.
• There are no risks to having your blood pressure taken with sphygmanomometry.
However, there may be some discomfort when the cuff is inflated.
Thermometer

• A thermometer is an essential medical device

used to measure body temperature, which can
indicate the presence of illness or infection.
Wokring Principle
• The basic principle behind thermometers is the thermal expansion of materials. As
temperature increases, certain substances expand, and as it decreases, they
contract. This property is utilized in various types of thermometers:
• Mercury Thermometers: Mercury expands and contracts uniformly with
temperature changes. The thermometer consists of a glass tube with mercury
sealed inside. As body temperature rises, the mercury expands into the calibrated
scale of the thermometer.
• Digital Thermometers: These use electronic sensors to measure temperature. The
sensors detect the change in temperature, and the reading is displayed on a digital
screen. The underlying principle relies on the thermoelectric effect, where
temperature variations produce voltage changes.
• Infrared Thermometers: These measure the infrared radiation emitted by the body.
The device converts this radiation into a temperature reading without direct contact,
which makes it useful for quick assessments.
Types of thermometer

• Mercury Thermometers:
• Traditional thermometers that use mercury. Not commonly
used anymore due to safety concerns about mercury
exposure.
• Digital Thermometers:
• Fast and easy to read. They can be used orally, rectally, or
under the armpit.
• Some models provide readings in seconds, making them
convenient for home use.
• Infrared Thermometers:
• Non-contact thermometers that measure temperature from
a distance, typically used for quick assessments.
• Commonly used in public health settings for fever
screening.
Continue

• Glass Thermometers:
• Similar to mercury thermometers but use other
non-toxic liquids like alcohol that expands with
temperature changes.
• Tympanic (Ear) Thermometers:
• These measure temperature from the ear canal
using infrared technology and are quick to use.
• Temporal Artery Thermometers:
• These are non-invasive and scan the forehead to
measure temperature from the temporal artery,
providing quick results.
How to use

Mercury Thermometer:
• Shake the thermometer to lower the mercury
column.
• Place it under the tongue, in the armpit, or
rectally (for children).
• Keep it in place for the recommended time
(usually 3-5 minutes).
• Remove and read the temperature scale.
Digital Thermometer

• Turn on the device.

• Place it under the tongue, in the armpit, or
rectally.
• Wait for the beep indicating the reading is
complete, then check the display.
Infrared Thermometer

• Turn on the device and aim it at the forehead

or ear, following the manufacturer’s
instructions.
• Press the button to take a reading and read the
temperature on the display.