Types Of Thermometer
What is a Thermometer
The thermometer is the standard instrument for temperature measurement. In a thermometer, thermos means hot and metron refers to measurement. The terms "temperature" and "heat" are frequently misunderstood. For instance, how do you convey an object's temperature? What is the metric or foundation for that heat? Temperature is the answer to that. Joules are the unit of measure for heat, which is an energy type. Temperature, on the other hand, is a way to measure that heat. This indicates that the temperature is high if the heat is more.
What is Temperature
A vital tool in disease management is an accurate temperature reading of a person. A simple way to determine if you have a fever is to use a thermometer to measure your body temperature. Most of the time, infection is what causes a fever, which is an increase in body temperature.
Normal Body Temperature
You may have heard that 98.6°F (37°C) is the "normal" body temperature. However, this is only an average. Your body temperature is slightly higher or lower.
A temperature that is either higher or lower than the average does not necessarily indicate that you are ill. Age, sex, the time of day, and how active you are among other things can affect your body temperature.
A normal temperature typically rises throughout the day and falls in the morning. It reaches its peak in the evening or late afternoon.
Fever in adults is defined as a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. To make yourself feel better, you can either treat this at home with fever-reducing medication and fluids or wait for the symptoms to pass. However, if it remains above 102°F (38.8°C) despite home treatment, contact your healthcare provider.
Types Of Thermometers
Oral Thermometer
A digital or mercury thermometer can be used to measure oral temperature.
The typical oral temperature is 37°C or 98.6°F. However, a typical oral temperature ranges from 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C). Some people naturally run cool, while others run a little warmer. When you feel sick, it's a good idea to know your usual temperature so you can figure out if you have a fever. Adults and children over the age of three benefit most from oral thermometers.
Digital Thermometer
Digital thermometers work by utilizing heat sensors that decide the internal heat level. They can be utilized to take temperature readings in the mouth, rectum, or armpit.
Keep in mind that armpit (axillary) temperature is about 0.2 to 0.6 degrees Celsius cooler than oral readings when evaluating digital thermometer readings. Compared to oral readings, rectal thermometers are 12 to 1°F (0.6°C) warmer.
Digital thermometers give precise readings in less than a minute. The device's tip must be placed under the tongue with the mouth completely closed to provide an accurate reading. Rectal readings are therefore regarded as the most accurate for infants and young children.
Digital Tympanic Thermometer
Tympanic thermometers use infrared ray technology to measure the temperature inside the ear canal. The difference between oral temperature readings and tympanic temperature readings is 0.5°F (0.3°C). Tympanic thermometers are faster and more accurate than oral or rectal thermometers, which may be better for children. Tympanic thermometers are not recommended for infants younger than six months due to the ear canal's size.
To get accurate results, they need to be placed in the right places. Earwax and other obstructions can skew the results. They might not fit right in an ear canal that is small or curved. The superficial temporal artery, which is a branch of the carotid artery, is measured by a forehead (temporal) thermometer using infrared sensors.
Glass Mercury Thermometer
Mercury thermometers were once the only means of measuring temperature. They are no longer widely available and may even be illegal in your area due to safety concerns.
Mercury thermometers can be used orally, rectally, or under the arm to get accurate temperature readings. Batteries are not required for them. Mercury thermometers may easily break due to their glass construction, allowing toxic mercury to escape. If they break, they could also result in cuts or glass splinters. Mercury thermometers must be properly disposed of because they contain a dangerous substance. They cannot be thrown in the trash. They must remain in place for three minutes and can be difficult to read.
Forehead (Temporal) Thermometer
Forehead thermometers utilize infrared sensors to determine the temperature of the shallow transient corridor, which is a part of the carotid artery. Temperature readings from the forehead are about 0.6°C (one degree Fahrenheit) lower than those from the mouth. For use in places like airports, stores, and stadiums, forehead thermometers that don't need you to touch them have become very popular.
Temporal thermometers offer quick readings—a few seconds—of the temperature. They can be used on adults, children, and babies because they are simple to give. In children, temporal thermometers may be as accurate as rectal thermometers and provide better readings than ear or armpit thermometers.
Forehead thermometers will not give the right reading if they are not positioned correctly by the manufacturer's instructions. The results may be skewed if certain clothes, like heavy coats or hats, are worn. Drafts, wind, heating in the house, and direct sunlight can all have an impact on readings.
App-Based Thermometer
Digital thermometers that link back to the app via Bluetooth are the basis for phone apps that assist in taking people's temperatures. It is possible to take temperatures orally, rectally, or under the arm. Within eight to ten seconds, they provide readings. By uploading your anonymous temperature readings in some apps, you can alert authorities to spikes in illness in your area.
Based on the reading, some apps provide recommendations for medical next steps.
The majority of apps let you keep track of the temperatures of multiple people. Not all apps and thermometers that connect to apps are reliable. Better track records exist for some manufacturers than for others.
Pacifier Thermometer
If your child utilizes a pacifier, this might be a simple way for you to record their approximate temperature. The most significant advantage of pacifier thermometers is their ease of use.
Pacifier thermometers must remain stationary in the mouth for up to six minutes. Additionally, rather than a precise temperature reading, they offer an approximation.
Which Thermometer Gives The Best Readings?
The thermometer that is most user-friendly and accurate is the best. A reputable manufacturer of your thermometer is also helpful. Numerous medical professionals still consider rectal thermometers to be the gold standard for babies and children. However, in these age groups, oral and forehead readings are also typically very reliable.
Always keep in mind that the way the thermometer is used affects how the temperature is read:
- Readings from a rectal thermometer will be between 0.5°F (0.3°C) and 1°F (0.6°C) higher than those from an oral thermometer.
- Oral temperature readings are typically 0.5°F (0.3°C) or higher than tympanic thermometer readings.
- When compared to oral temperature readings, axillary thermometer readings can be anywhere from 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) lower—and maybe the least reliable.
- When compared to oral temperature readings, temporal thermometer readings typically fall between 0.5°F (0.3°C) and 1°F (0.6°C).
Which Thermometers Should Not Be Used?
Because they aren't always accurate, some thermometers aren't recommended.
- Plastic strip thermometers just measure the skin temperature.
- Because they must remain in the child's mouth for a sufficient amount of time to record a temperature, pacifier thermometers are inaccurate and difficult to use correctly.
- Thermometer apps for smartphones
FAQs About The Types of Thermometer
What are the common types of thermometers available for temperature measurement?The common types of thermometers include digital thermometers, oral thermometers, ear thermometers, forehead (temporal) thermometers, rectal thermometers, and infrared thermometers.
How do digital thermometers work, and are they accurate?
Electronic sensors are used by digital thermometers to measure temperature. They provide rapid readings and are often accurate. The precision of the thermometer will determine how accurate they are.
When is it appropriate to use an oral thermometer for temperature measurement?
Oral thermometers are suitable for adults and older children who can hold the thermometer under their tongue. They provide accurate readings when used correctly.
What are ear thermometers, and how do they work?
Ear thermometers, also known as tympanic thermometers, measure temperature in the ear canal. They are quick and comfortable to use. However, correct placement is essential for accuracy.
Are forehead (temporal) thermometers reliable for measuring body temperature?
Forehead or temporal thermometers are non-invasive and provide a quick reading. They are reliable when used correctly, making them suitable for all age groups.
When is it recommended to use a rectal thermometer?
Rectal thermometers are commonly used for infants and young children. They provide the most accurate core body temperature readings but require careful handling.
How do infrared thermometers work, and in what situations are they used?
Infrared thermometers measure temperature by detecting the heat emitted by the object or body being measured. They are often used for non-contact temperature readings in various applications, including medical and industrial settings.
Which type of thermometer is best for specific situations, such as cooking or medical use?
The choice of thermometer depends on the specific application. For cooking, food thermometers (e.g., digital meat thermometers) are ideal. For medical use, consider oral, ear, or forehead thermometers based on age and ease of use.
How should I clean and maintain my thermometer to ensure accurate readings?
Cleaning and maintenance instructions vary by thermometer type. Generally, clean the probe with a disinfectant wipe or soapy water, and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for proper care and calibration.
Can the type of thermometer affect the accuracy of temperature readings?
Yes, the type of thermometer can impact accuracy. Select the appropriate thermometer for the specific situation and follow proper usage guidelines to obtain reliable readings.