Clinical Mercury Thermometer Accurate Temperature Readings

A clinical mercury thermometer is a type of thermometer traditionally used to measure body temperature. It contains mercury, a liquid metal, inside a glass tube. Here's how it works and some important considerations: How It Works Mercury Expansion: Mercury is a metal that remains liquid at room temperature. When body temperature rises, the mercury inside the thermometer expands and moves up a calibrated glass tube. Calibration: The glass tube is marked with a scale that measures temperature. The position of the mercury column against this scale indicates the body temperature. Temperature Range: Clinical mercury thermometers typically measure temperatures in the range of about 35°C to 42°C (95°F to 108°F). Usage Placement: Clinical mercury thermometers can be used orally, rectally, or axially (under the armpit). Each placement requires a different length of time to get an accurate reading. Reading: To read the temperature, you need to hold the thermometer at eye level and note where the mercury line intersects with the temperature scale.