We've all been feverish at some point in our lives. Our body's immune system drops and this can lead to many different illnesses and conditions. Having a thermometer at home can help you diagnose if you have a fever or not. By knowing what's your body's temperature you can easily control it and make yourself feel better. However, there are several types of thermometers to choose from, and knowing their characteristics can help you figure out which one suits you the best.
What's a Thermometer?
A thermometer is a small universal instrument that’s used to measure a person’s temperature. It’s used in medical facilities, households, industrial environments, laboratories and many more places. It measures and monitors the temperature for various purposes. There are plenty of thermometers on the market, but the most commonly used one is the versatile and practical clinical thermometer. It's specialised to measure human temperature. Medical personnel use it to provide an accurate diagnosis.
Types of Medical Thermometers
Contact Thermometers
Thermometers are divided into 2 main categories, contact and non-contact. The ones in the first category will come into contact with the human body in some way to measure temperature. The second one doesn’t require any type of body contact.
Tympanic
Tympanic thermometers work by capturing infrared energy that comes from the ear canal. Once they come in contact with it, they convert it into body temperature. This type of measuring takes about one minute from the first contact with the ear to the final read. To avoid infections from contact with different people, there should be a plastic probe cover. If you use this type of thermometer, make sure you change the probe after every use.
Some people find these thermometers a bit uncomfortable because they have a slightly invasive nature. Keep in mind that these devices aren’t suitable for children under the age of 2. Also, sometimes obstacles such as hair or ear wax can make the measuring difficult. You can get a different, lower or higher number than the actual body temperature.
Axilla
The axilla is another very popular method of measuring body temperature. To do so, the thermometer goes under the armpit. Depending on the thermometer, it should stay there for about 1-4 minutes. This is a very common measuring method with small babies and kids. However, some people find this uncomfortable as well. And when it comes to small babies, you should take the baby’s clothes off to measure the temperature. So, if this is too much trouble for you an axilla thermometer might not be the right choice.
Rectal
This is a method that has been decreasing in popularity in recent years. Even though clinicians state that it’s the most accurate measurement of them all, it’s not used that often. The reasons are obvious, the discomfort is at a high level. Plus, it can sometimes pose a great risk of infections if not done properly. The hygiene has to be at a high level. Always wash your hands before handling the thermometer. After you’re done using it disinfect it with rubbing alcohol or alcohol-based wipes.
Dummy
Dummy thermometers are suitable for babies. They're a great way to get the job done, especially if your baby loves to have a dummy in the mouth. Their biggest benefit is how easy they are to use. However, the dummy should stay in the baby’s mouth for at least 6 minutes. So, make sure the kid doesn’t spit it out.
Non-Contact Thermometers
Infrared
The future of thermometry lies with medically graded non-contact infrared thermometers. As it’s known that 80% of infections are spread through contact, this type of thermometer will keep those chances at a minimum. You don’t need to change probes and it takes much less time to measure the temperature.
These thermometers are very accurate and have become very popular, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic that caught the world off guard. They're very easy to use and measure the temperature through the temporal artery. They're suitable for people of all ages which means taking your child’s temperature won’t be a struggle anymore.
What to Consider when Buying
Accuracy
Accuracy is the most important factor to consider when buying a clinical thermometer. Of course, there will always be a slight difference between the result and the actual body temperature, but it should be as small as possible. Digital probe thermometers are accurate within 0.1°C. Ear and forehead thermometers will have a difference of 0.2°C. One thing that can influence the thermometer’s accuracy is the way you’re using it. Always read the instructions and follow them to get the most accurate read.
Time of Reading
In most cases, probe devices provide a readout in under 60 seconds. Some models use a predictive technique, which takes a partial reading and uses mathematical equations to calculate the temperature. Most models, however, wait until the thermometer reaches a stable temperature and then signal that they’re done. Infrared thermometers are very fast, they can display the temperature in around 5 seconds or less.
Display & Tones
A larger display is always a good idea. It’ll be easier for you to read it. To read it at night, make sure it’s backlit. Tones are very practical. They'll let you know when the reading is done. Some models let you turn off the tone in case you don’t want to wake up the person, especially if it’s an infant.
Comfort & Price
Comfort is very important in medical thermometers especially when it comes to small children. Choose a device that will make measuring much simpler, easier and faster depending on the patient’s age and medical condition. When it comes to the price, thermometers vary a lot. Cheaper options are often less accurate and you should avoid them. The very expensive ones might have extra features you don’t need. So, stay somewhere in the middle.
Proper Storage & Maintenance
If you want the thermometer to be as accurate as possible, you should take good care of it. This includes proper storage and maintenance. Keep it away from direct sunlight or extreme cold temperatures because it can get damaged and interfere with the reading. Clean it after every use. Do it with rubbing alcohol or alcohol-based wipes and place it back in its original packaging. This will make sure you get accurate readings for many years.
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