Different types of medical thermometers include:
1. Digital Thermometer
Digital thermometers are devices that work by using heat sensors that measure your body temperature. The information is then sent to a microchip that analyses it and displays the results on a digital screen. These advanced thermometers measure your body temperature accurately.
A digital thermometer can take readings in your armpit, mouth, or rectum. However, when assessing a digital thermometer reading, remember that your axillary or armpit temperature runs approximately ½ to 1 degree Fahrenheit or 0.6-degree Celsius cooler than the oral readings. Here are the benefits of a digital thermometer:
Benefits:
- Digital thermometers are inexpensive and easy to use.
- These are advanced thermometers that provide fast and accurate results.
- These are portable, and you can carry them in your first-aid box.
- It is very simple to analyse the readings of this thermometer.
2. Oral Thermometer
An oral thermometer is best for patients who have serious health conditions. You can get the body temperature by placing the thermometer under your tongue and tightly closing your lips. The average reading of an oral thermometer is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit or 37 degrees Celsius. Here are the benefits of an oral thermometer:
Benefits:
- There are fewer chances of infection through an oral thermometer.
- Much easier to take readings than other types of thermometer.
- Provides appropriate central temperature for children above 3 years and in adults.
3. Digital-ear Tympanic Thermometer
Tympanic thermometers are able to take your temperature readings through infrared ray technology. Since they provide temperature inside your ear canal, they are less reliable as there might be inaccurate readings if you have wax in your ears.
However, you can use them on newborns and infants. The tympanic readings are 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit or 0.3 degrees Celsius to 1 degree Fahrenheit or 0.6 degrees Celsius higher than the oral thermometer readings. Here are its benefits:
Benefits:
- It takes only a few seconds to take a reading and saves a lot of time.
- A trustworthy source to determine your child’s temperature, this thermometer provides the exact temperature reading.
4. Forehead Thermometer
A carotid artery branch and forehead thermometers use infrared sensors to measure the temperature of your Superficial Temporal Artery. Some of these thermometers are known as non-contact infrared thermometers. Post-pandemic thermometers are used widely as they allow contactless readings.
Therefore, with this thermometer, you will find people checking your body temperature in airports, stadiums, and stores. These thermometers run approximately 1 degree Fahrenheit or 0.6 degrees Celsius, cooler than the oral thermometers. The benefits of the same are:
Benefits:
- It is contactless and very easy for adults, children, and newborns.
- Provides faster and more accurate readings within a few seconds.
5. Plastic-strip Thermometers
Plastic strip thermometers allow you to place the strip on your brow to determine the temperature. However, they might not provide accurate results apart from letting you know that your health condition is weak. They will inform you that you have a fever but will not provide exact temperature readings. Here are the benefits:
Benefits:
- It is non-intrusive and very simple to use. You have to put the strip on the temple of your child.
- They are affordable and come at reasonable pricing.
6. Pacifier Thermometers
You can use these thermometers mainly on infants over three months. However, your baby must remain absolutely motionless for a few seconds while the reading is being taken. The benefits that come with this thermometer are:
Benefits:
- It is very easy to use a pacifier thermometer.
- You can use them on your infant while he/she is sleeping.
- It comes at an affordable rate.
7. Mercury Thermometer
A mercury thermometer requires you to put the device under your tongue and wait until the temperature rises. When you notice that the mercury has stopped rising, read the temperature. A traditional method to take readings of your body, mercury thermometers are not used much now. However, the benefits include:
Benefits:
- Your mercury thermometer doesn’t require a battery to work.
- They provide accurate and instant results and can be used rectally, orally, or under your armpits.
- They are affordable and come at economical pricing.
Now that you know various types of thermometer, let us discuss what is the use of thermometers.