Need to measure your body temperature but don't have a medical thermometer? Here's how to safely use a food thermometer in a pinch.
Can I use a Thermapen to take my body temperature?
We would usually always recommend using a medical thermometer to take your body temperature if you have access to one, as these are designed and tested for this purpose. However, if you only have access to a Thermapen, it is possible to do this as long as you are very careful of its ultra fine tip*.
What is a normal body temperature?
A normal body temperature is approximately 37 °C. Fever in adults is usually when your body temperature is 37.8 °C or higher. This might make you feel warm, cold or shivery.
Where can I check my body temperature?
Where you take your body temperature from depends on the type of thermometer being used. The NHS recommends digital thermometers as they can be used to easily take temperatures from the armpit or mouth. Due to the sharp probe, we would only recommend using a Thermapen to take a reading from your armpit.Â
How can I check my body temperature using a Thermapen?
1. Over a layer of protective clothing, lightly and carefully hold the tip of the thermometer against the centre of the armpit.
2. Press your arm close against the body so the tip of the thermometer stays in place.
3. Give the thermometer 30-60 seconds to stabilise before reading the temperature.
4. Clean/sanitise the thermometer and store for its next use.
*We are providing this advice for people to gain fairly accurate body temperature readings only in emergencies. We would not recommend that you purchase our thermometers to be used for medical purposes, and only use this method if you already own a Thermapen and cannot get access to an alternative. We would not advise using a Thermapen to take the body temperature of children as it is a sharp object that may cause injury.
