It is necessary to pay attention to thee dates on the boxes and rotate the stock accordingly. The thermometers must be stored in the temperature range suggested by the manufacturer. Excess heat can cause the bulb of the thermometer to crack or break from expansion of the mercury inside it. It is important that the package containing the Basal Thermometer be such that small impacts will not damage it. If the Basal Thermometer is jarred or overheated, the accuracy may be affected without the thermometer appearing broken.
Before using the Basal Thermometer, the package insert should be read carefully. If the mercury falls from the level of the last reading without being shaken down first, the thermometer is no longer reliable. This may be due to its being jarred or overheated. Also, to ensure accurate readings every time, use the same thermometer as well as the same site to take the basal body temperature. If you feel the readings are inaccurate, contact the manufacturer at the address given on the box.
According to the people who make B-D Basal Thermometer, the mercury used in their thermometer is not absorbed into the body; therefore, if the thermometer breaks, the only thing the user needs to worry about is the broken glass. The mercury can be scooped up using a stiff piece of paper and thrown away. The glass can be picked up using a wet cloth or paper towel. If the thermometer breaks while in the vagina or rectum, CONTACT THE PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY after collecting all the glasses pieces that can be found. If it breaks while in the mouth, lean forward and let saliva wash the glass out of the mouth. If there is still glass in the mouth, carefully rinse with water. BE CAREFUL NOT TO SWALLOW GLASS PARTICLES. If some glass may have been swallowed, CONTACT PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. After any thermometer breakage, ventilate the room once cleanup is complete.