A kink in a clinical thermometer is a bend in the glass tube that prevents the mercury level from falling when the thermometer is removed from the body. Without the kink, the mercury level would fall, making it difficult to read the temperature accurately. The kink is a special feature of liquid-in-glass thermometers and is used to store the reading of the thermometer by its own mercury column. To measure body temperature with a clinical thermometer, follow these steps:
- Disinfect the thermometer with alcohol or soap and water.
- Shake the thermometer to bring the mercury level below 35°C.
- Place the thermometer under the tongue or in the armpit.
- Wait for 3-5 minutes for the mercury level to stabilize.
- Read the temperature by looking at the level of the mercury in the thermometer. The temperature is measured in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.
