Psycho-Babble Health Thread 412188

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Question about thermometers

Posted by Racer on November 5, 2004, at 13:16:22

Does anyone know what the difference is between a regular thermometer and a "metabolic thermometer"? My doctor gave me a handout about taking my temperature daily using a "special metabolic thermometer" and I wonder if my regular mercury thermometer will do the trick?

Anyone?

Thanks!

Re: Question about thermometers » Racer

Posted by Larry Hoover on November 5, 2004, at 13:41:47

In reply to Question about thermometers, posted by Racer on November 5, 2004, at 13:16:22

> Does anyone know what the difference is between a regular thermometer and a "metabolic thermometer"? My doctor gave me a handout about taking my temperature daily using a "special metabolic thermometer" and I wonder if my regular mercury thermometer will do the trick?
>
> Anyone?
>
> Thanks!

A basal metabolic thermometer has finer gradations of temperature than are usually found with oral thermometers, so they tend to be more precise. They also generally have lower temperatures marked, as surface temperature in the axilla (i.e. armpit) is a little lower than in the mouth or rectum. You can use the oral mercury thermometer, but you'll get better readings with the basal metabolic version.

Lar

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