Body temperature is a basic vital sign that can give you an early warning of many abnormal conditions in the body — especially viral fevers, flu, pneumonia, or COVID-19.
These days, infrared thermometers are widely chosen by families because they are fast, convenient, non-contact, and help reduce the risk of cross-infection. However, many people still make mistakes when measuring temperature at home, which can lead to inaccurate results, unnecessary panic, or even wrong treatment decisions.
Below are 7 common mistakes and practical tips to help your family always measure body temperature accurately, safely, and proactively protect everyone’s health.
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Taking measurements right after eating, bathing, or exercising
Using the wrong measuring posture, not keeping the head still
Measuring at the wrong distance
Forgetting to clean the sensor before and after use
Measuring in an unstable temperature environment
Never calibrating the device regularly
Sharing the thermometer without disinfecting it
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Many people measure their temperature immediately after a full meal, a hot shower, or an intense workout. These activities temporarily affect body heat, leading to falsely high or low results.
Tip: Always rest for at least 15–30 minutes before taking a measurement so the body temperature stabilizes.
Some people hold the infrared thermometer while tilting or lowering their head, or their children tend to move around. This means the infrared beam won’t be at a right angle to the measurement area, causing inaccurate readings.
Tip: Keep the head straight, eyes looking forward. For children, measure when they’re asleep or being held still.
Each infrared thermometer has an optimal distance. Generally, the distance should be 3–5 cm from the forehead or ear. Too far, and the infrared beam disperses; too close, and heat from the device can affect the sensor.
Tip: Always read the user manual. Hold steady and measure at the recommended distance.
This is a very common oversight. The sensor tip comes close to skin, sweat, dust, or bacteria. If it’s not wiped clean, germs can build up and spread to other family members.
Tip: Use a soft cotton pad with 70% alcohol to gently clean the sensor before and after each use.
Many people turn on the air conditioner at a very low temperature, or measure right after coming indoors from the hot sun. The surface skin temperature may not yet match true body temperature.
Tip: Measure in a closed room with a stable temperature. Avoid drafts, cold air, or direct sunlight.
Some people think an infrared thermometer is always accurate forever. In fact, after long-term use, the sensor can drift if not checked and recalibrated.
Tip: Calibrate as recommended by the manufacturer (usually every 6–12 months). Some higher-end thermometers have auto-calibration features.
Low batteries can cause the sensor to perform inconsistently. Sometimes the device shows a low-battery warning but people continue using it, leading to unusual readings.
Tip: Check the battery level regularly and replace them when needed. Always use genuine batteries.
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Forehead measurement: Wipe the forehead dry, make sure hair is not covering the area, keep the head straight, eyes looking forward. Hold the thermometer 3–5 cm away.
Ear measurement: Gently pull the ear back and up, point the probe into the ear canal. Hold the device steadily.
Pro tip: Take 2–3 measurements and use the average for better accuracy.
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Bacteria and viruses can cling to the sensor tip. Cleaning it properly ensures not just accurate results but also reduces the risk of cross-infection.
Use medical cotton and 70% alcohol to gently wipe the sensor. Avoid letting liquid seep into the device.
Store the thermometer in a dry, clean place, away from moisture.
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Children often move around, making it hard to get a stable reading. Measure when they’re sleeping or being held still.
Older adults have weaker immunity, so regular temperature checks are essential. Keep spare batteries on hand.
Never share the same thermometer between children and sick people without disinfecting the tip.
Pick reputable brands: Yuwell, Omron, Microlife, Beurer, etc.
Look for certified medical models with an ideal margin of error of ±0.2°C.
Consider useful features: backlit screen for nighttime use, memory storage, auto-calibration.
Price ranges from 400,000 – 2,000,000 VND. Don’t go for suspiciously cheap, unbranded products.
7. Quick Checklist: 5 Things to Remember for Safe At-Home Measurements
Rest for 15–30 minutes after eating, bathing, or exercise
Dry the measurement area and maintain a steady posture
Hold the device at the correct 3–5 cm distance
Take at least 2–3 readings and use the average
Clean the sensor before and after each use
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Absolutely. Many doctors recommend it because it’s fast, safe, and non-invasive for babies.
If results differ greatly from a standard thermometer or fluctuate wildly even when measured consecutively.
On average every 6–12 months, especially if you use it frequently.
An infrared thermometer is a medical tool every family should have — especially households with young children, elderly members, or anyone with chronic conditions. But it only works effectively when used correctly, helping you detect fever early, prevent complications, and reduce cross-infection risks.
Check today: Is your family making any of these 7 common mistakes? If so, don’t wait — correct them now so your infrared thermometer remains a trusty companion for your family’s health.
Don’t wait until someone is sick — get a quality infrared thermometer today and protect your loved ones proactively!
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