FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

• BD™ Digital Thermometers
• BD™ Instant Ear Thermometers

BD Digital Thermometers

• How does the BD Accu-Beep® feature help you?
• What are common technique errors?
• How does the BD Accu-Beep® feature reduce errors?
• What is an average "normal" temperature?
• How much cooler are the "incorrect areas" in the mouth in comparison to the "correct areas" as shown in the Oral Method diagram?
• What does my child's temperature reading mean?

How does the BD Accu-Beep® feature help you?

The BD Accu-Beep® feature can reduce a parent's anxiety during temperature taking. It can eliminate concern about correct thermometer placement and about the measurement going along properly. The Accu-Beep® feature can also improve a child's willingness and ability to use the oral method. Children and parents who tested the Accu-Beep® Digital discovered that some children who would normally not sit still for an oral reading would comply much more readily when using the Accu-Beep® Digital. They accomplished this when their parent encouraged them to "hold the thermometer still, and make it keep beeping." The children found that listening for the beeps made the temperature taking experience "fun".

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What are common technique errors?

Two common errors are shifting the thermometer around in the mouth and/or opening the mouth during temperature taking.Both of these errors expose the thermometer to a temperature that's cooler than the actual body temperature.

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How does the BD Accu-Beep® feature reduce errors?

The BD Accu-Beep® Digital thermometer will beep every 4 seconds while the thermometer's reading is rising. During correct temperature measurement, the reading will rise steadily (and the beeps will continue) until measurement completion. If however, the user's mouth opens or the thermometer shifts from a warm to a cool place in the mouth, the thermometer's reading will stop rising. This will interrupt the 4 second beeps, alerting the user to an error.

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What is an average "normal" temperature?

Normal body temperature varies from person to person, even hour to hour and by method of measurement. The normal average healthy oral temperature is 98.6°F. However, normal temperature can vary up or down by 1° or 2°F. Hot baths, exercising, smoking and warm weather can cause body temperature to vary a degree or more. Daily oral temperature ranges go from a low of 97.0°F between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. to a high of 99.0°F between the hours of 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. In the chart below, you will find a list of average "normal" temperatures, and the approximate time it will take to obtain an accurate reading.

How much cooler are the "incorrect areas" in the mouth in comparison to the "correct areas" as shown in the Oral Method diagram?

Incorrect areas can register as much as 1.2°F lower than correct areas.

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• An "average" normal temperature can fall anywhere in the range of 97°F - 100°F.
• For any temperature over 100°F, you should call a physician. Generally, the higher the temperature, the more serious it is.
• Temperatures of 105°F and above could be dangerously high. Get medical attention immediately.

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