How do you take temperature with a clinical thermometer?

Step 1:

Clean your glass thermometer with isopropyl alcohol before using it, then dip the tip into some cool water, or wipe with a tissue, to remove the taste of the alcohol. Step 2:

Shake down your glass thermometer until the Mercury line is below 96.6 degrees F. Step 3:

Slide the tip of the thermometer under one side of the tongue, well into the back of the mouth. Step 4:

Close your mouth around the thermometer using your lips - don't clench the glass thermometer with your teeth. Breathe through your nose, with your mouth closed. Step 5:

Leave the thermometer under your tongue for 3 full minutes. Step 6:

Remove the thermometer and hold it under a bright light, so you can see how high the mercury has risen. An arrow will point to the normal temperature, which is 98.6 degrees F.