While specific tips and directions may vary by manufacturer, there are some general tips to help you get the most accurate measurement. For example, don’t try to measure the temperature through glass, smoke, or steam. When measuring glass temperatures, Etekcity recommends placing a strip of opaque material (like duct tape) on the glass and then measuring the temperature on the duct tape. Also, if the infrared thermometer is not designed to be used on people and animals, don’t attempt to do so. Only use medical thermometers for this purpose.