b. Grasp the Stem End Securely. Grasp the end of the thermometer that is
opposite the bulb end with your fingers and thumb. The stem ends in a knob (usually
colored either blue or red) that helps you to hold onto the thermometer during the
shaking down process.
c. "Crack the Whip." Shake the thermometer down using quick, sharp,
downward wrist motions (figure 2-2). These quick wrist motions are sometimes called
"cracking the whip." Perform several of these motions. You may have a problem
getting effective "cracks" at first, but with practice you will soon be able to lower the
temperature to the necessary level quickly.
Figure 2-2. Shaking down a glass thermometer.
d. Read the Thermometer. After shaking down the thermometer, read the
temperature shown in order to evaluate the effectiveness of your efforts.
(1) If the thermometer reading is below 94F (34.4 C), you have shaken
down the thermometer sufficiently.
(2) If the thermometer reads 94 F (34.4 C) or above, continue to shake
down the thermometer until a desired reading is shown.
MD0531
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