Accuracy of geratherm thermometer

[msmono]

Have just got one and have been using armpit measurements but it never seems to go above 35 for me. My husband crept up to 35.8 and he hasn't got Hypothyroidism. How accurate are these generally?

[helvella Administrator]

Dr Lowe came to this conclusion:

Conclusion

In this comparative study, temperature measurements

with electronic and Galinstan thermometers

were consistent enough to be of reliable clinical use.

A corollary finding is that the use of the same axilla

of one subject provided the consistent temperature

readings. This indicates that careful placement of

either type of thermometer deep in the same armpit

is a reliable clinical procedure for patients.

dropbox.com/s/w7cjut689r1w1...

(Galinstan is the same basic type as Geratherm.)

[Mickeydooley]

How long do you leave the thermometer in place?

[msmono in reply to Mickeydooley]

Hi, ive been doing 5 minutes.

[Mickeydooley in reply to msmono]

I was advised by my naturopathic doctor to give it 10 mins. Try that and see what happens. They are supposed to be fairly accurate.

[Mickeydooley in reply to Mickeydooley]

Shake it down very vigorously at night and put it well in your left armpit. I do it each morning before I get up and before I take meds. I even put the thermometer under my pillow so I don’t have to move much or fumble about in the dark to get it. (Or tuck it into the pillow case under the pillow so it doesn’t move around if you’re a restless sleeper like me!).

[Angel_of_the_North]

Probably more accurate than digitals, most of which don't register less than 36. However, you need to shake it down properly and leave it in left armpit for about 10 mins

[Hidden in reply to Angel_of_the_North]

Hey Angel, this is interesting re left armpit - is there a reason for it? I always use it under the right one

[Angel_of_the_North in reply to Hidden]

I was always told to do it that way - but it probably doesn't matter as long as you are consistent

[Hidden in reply to Angel_of_the_North]

Thank you 🙏

[Hidden]

I have Geratherm and Braun in-ear thermometer. Geratherm is spot on accuracy-wise, while the fancy expensive Braun always shows 37.5 🙄 but yes, with Geratherm, you need to make sure it's completely on zero when you measure and keep it under armpit for 10 minutes.

[msmono in reply to Hidden]

Good to know thanks. In the instructions it just says shake well below 36 i believe. I cant get a reading above 35.6 but i am possibly under medicated.

[Hidden in reply to msmono]

Sometimes temps don't raise even on treatment and some people seem to have very low temps. It's very individual. Oh and I shake down the thermometer to zero just in case

[Polly91]

I also measure my temperature every morning under left armpit and it does vary a bit. I understand the goal is for it to be above 36.4 as an average over a month for a well functioning thyroid.

[msmono in reply to Polly91]

Good to know what the goal is.