What Affects the Test
Inaccurate temperature readings
can be caused by:
- Not keeping your mouth closed around the
thermometer when taking an oral temperature.
- Not leaving a
thermometer in place long enough before reading it.
- Not putting the
proper thermometer in the right place.
- Not following the
instructions for proper use that come with the thermometer.
- A weak
or dead thermometer battery.
- Taking an oral temperature within 20
minutes after smoking or drinking a hot or cold liquid.
- Taking a
temperature by any method within an hour of exercising vigorously or taking a
hot bath.