Different Types of Thermometers and Their Uses

It is incredibly helpful to have a medical thermometer at home to note the temperatures of a person suffering from a fever. After knowing which, you can decide on the right action.

In this article, we will give you an overview of what a thermometer is and its various types. Additionally, you will come to know about the benefit of each of them.

A thermometer is a device that helps measure temperature in degrees according to the Fahrenheit or Celsius system. While doctors use thermometers to measure your body's temperature, meteorologists use them to find how hot or cold the weather is. There are a variety of contact and contactless thermometers you can choose from.

However, it is necessary to know the use of a thermometer and how you can take readings with same. Please remember that all types of thermometers are not designed to work similarly or give similar readings.

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.

The primary function of a medical thermometer is to measure your body temperature. Well, they are also used to measure the temperatures of an object.

1. Domestic Purpose Thermometers

• These thermometers are used to take the water temperature before you bathe. Mothers often check the temperature of the water before bathing their babies.
• Domestic thermometers are also used to check specific food items' temperatures before they are cooked.
• The temperature of ovens and other heating appliances is sometimes checked to prevent burns and accidents.

2. Laboratory Purpose Thermometers

• These are used by a scientist who requires thermometers for research purposes.
• It helps to mark the temperature of a certain solution.
• It allows you to measure the atmospheric temperature to conduct experiments.

3. Thermometers For Automobiles

• Infrared thermometers are used to measure the temperature of car repair equipment and ensure enhanced service.
• It also measures the temperatures of several car parts such as engines, brakes, tyres, clutches, etc.

4. Thermometers For Industries

• To ensure safety standards, many industries check for air leakages that they conduct via thermometers.
• It measures insulation by measuring the temperature of internal and external walls. In case the walls have higher temperatures, they require insulation.

5. Thermometers For Restaurants

• Many restaurants use thermometers to detect and monitor the temperature of oil and dishes for cooking.
• They check one dish with a thermometer to determine the temperature of the total batch.
• Additionally, these thermometers ensure that the semi-solid dishes have acquired their required temperature. This helps to understand whether the process has killed any bacteria or microorganisms in that dish.

Most of you might have a question about how to use a thermometer and take readings appropriately. Well, here are they:

1. Taking Oral Temperature

• You can use a digital thermometer to take the temperature orally.
  
• Ensure your device is clean and the batteries are working.
• Please wash your hands properly and dry them up. Then turn on the device and insert the plastic sheath onto the bottom of the device.
• Your thermometer will generate a light or a beep sound to notify you that it is ready to use.
• Place your thermometer under your tongue. Some devices also come with grooves to determine exactly how much you should insert into your mouth.
• Close your mouth and wait for the device to finish taking readings.
• As you hear a beep sound, remove it and take the readings.
• Please wash your hands and clean the device before reusing it.

2. Taking Rectal Temperature

• Please wash your hands and ensure your thermometer has batteries, and they are working.
• Cover the tip of the device with plastic and apply a lubricant.
• Lie down on your stomach and turn on the device.
• As soon as you hear the beep sound that it is ready, carefully insert it into the rectum about an inch.
• As it finishes taking readings, you will hear a beep sound. Remove the device and take the readings.
• Wash your hands after use and clean the thermometer as the manufacturer recommends.

3. Measuring Non-Contact Temporal Temperature

• Activate your thermometer with the power button as the lights turn on. You will notice the start-up sequence.
• As your device is ready to use, place it just two inches away from your forehead.
• Ensure your forehead is clean and it is not sweating.
• Avoid movement and hold your device steady to get an accurate result.
• Click on the temperature button, and the device will flash. You can take down the readings that will appear on display.
• Each forehead thermometer comes with a set of instructions. Be sure to read all of them before using them.

So, now you know how does a thermometer work. Well, these days, the most popular ones are digital thermometers as they are easy to use and provide faster results. However, following the manufacturer's guidelines before using any thermometers is necessary. The readings might vary depending on which thermometer you are using.