What is the best thermometer for home use?
Types of thermometer
- Digital stick thermometer. A standard digital stick thermometer works just like an old-fashioned glass thermometer, but is safer and more accurate.
- Ear thermometer. Ear thermometers use an infrared ray to measure the temperature just inside the ear canal. ...
- Temporal artery thermometer. ...
- Non-contact thermometer. ...
- Glass and mercury thermometer. ...
How to use a thermometer to take your temperature?
Oral temperature
- If you've been eating or drinking, wait 30 minutes before you take a temperature by mouth.
- Turn on the digital thermometer. Place the thermometer tip under your tongue.
- Close your mouth around the thermometer for the recommended amount of time or until the thermometer beep indicates it's done.
- Remove the thermometer and read the number.
What is the purpose of a thermometer?
Types of Thermometer
- Clinical and Medical Thermometer. Body temperature is measured with a medical thermometer. ...
- Laboratory thermometers. ...
- Digital thermometers. ...
- Infrared ear thermometers. ...
- Mercury thermometers. ...
- Alcohol in glass thermometers. ...
- Platinum resistance thermometers. ...
- Thermocouple thermometers. ...
- Plastic strip thermometer. ...
Which type of thermometer is the most accurate?
Which Type of Fever Thermometer for Adults?
- Oral or Rectal Digital Thermometers. In the past, the tips of oral and rectal thermometers were different from each other. ...
- Tympanic Thermometers. These thermometers also have digital readouts. ...
- Temporal Artery Thermometers. Temperature measurement takes only a few seconds and is non-invasive and accurate.
- Liquid Crystal Thermometers. ...
Thermometers: Understand the options - Mayo Clinic
Different Types of Thermometers and Their Uses [ Updated ]
What is a computer thermometer?
A computer or other circuit measures the resistance and converts it to a temperature, either to display it or to make decisions about turning something on or off. If you would like to build your own electronic thermometer, check out How Microcontrollers Work. Advertisement.
What is the most common sensor for temperature?
Electronic Thermometers. It is now common to measure temperature with electronics. The most common sensor is a thermoresistor (or thermistor). This device changes its resistance with changes in temperature. A computer or other circuit measures the resistance and converts it to a temperature, either to display it or to make decisions about turning ...
Where to use contact thermometer?
These thermometers can be used on the forehead, mouth, armpit or rectum. Most electronic thermometers have a digital display that shows you the temperature reading.
What are the two types of thermometers?
In general, there are two types of thermometers. Touch, or contact, thermometers must touch the body in order to measure temperature. Remote, or no contact, thermometers can measure body temperature without touching the skin.
How accurate is an oral thermometer?
For older children and adults, oral readings are usually accurate — as long as the mouth is closed while the thermometer is in place. The pros: Most electronic contact thermometers can record temperatures from the forehead, mouth, armpit or rectum — often in less than one minute. An electronic contact thermometer is appropriate for newborns, ...
What is a remote temporal artery thermometer?
Temporal artery thermometers. Remote forehead thermometers use an infrared scanner to measure the temperature of the temporal artery in the forehead. A remote temporal artery thermometer can record a person's temperature quickly and are easily tolerated.
Why are mercury thermometers no longer recommended?
Mercury thermometers are no longer recommended because they can break and allow mercury — which is toxic — to escape.
Can you use a contact thermometer for rectal use?
If you plan to use an electronic contact thermometer to take both oral and rectal temperatures, get two thermometers and label one for oral use and one for rectal use.
What type of thermometer measures the temperature inside of the ear?
Other types of thermometers (young children and adults): Tympanic (ear): This type of thermometer measures the temperature inside of the ear by reading the infrared heat there. For best results, make sure to follow the instructions on the device about placing the tip correctly.
How much does a digital thermometer cost?
Digital thermometers are available in most drug stores and supermarket pharmacies. Depending on where you shop, a digital thermometer can cost from $6 to $20. Be sure to follow package instructions while using any thermometer.
How to tell if you have a fever?
Checking your body’s temperature with a thermometer is an easy way to see if a fever is present. A fever, which is a rise in the body’s temperature, is usually caused by an infection. Though fevers can be uncomfortable, they are a sign that the body is fighting off infection. There are many different types of thermometers you can use ...
How long does it take for a thermometer to beep?
Hold the thermometer in the same spot for about 40 seconds. Readings will continue to increase and the F (or C) symbol will flash during measurement. Usually, the thermometer will make a beeping noise when the final reading is done (usually about 30 seconds).
How to clean a rectal thermometer?
Don’t use an oral thermometer. Put a small amount of lubricant (petroleum jelly or Vaseline®) on the sensor (tip) of the thermometer. Place your child belly down on your lap or table, with one palm on their back.
Why are thermometers not recommended?
Some thermometers aren’t recommended due to their inaccuracy. Plastic strip thermometers only measure the skin temperature. Pacifier thermometers are not precise and are difficult to use correctly because they have to stay in the child’s mouth for long enough to record a temperature. Smartphone app thermometers.
What is the temperature of a fever?
In adults, a fever is considered to be a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or above. You can treat this at home with a fever reducer medication and fluids to make yourself more comfortable, or let it run its course. But if it reaches 102°F (38.8°C) or higher and home treatment doesn’t lower it, call your healthcare provider.
How do thermometers work?
This is a brief overview of how digital thermometers work. 1 A thermocouple has a self-generated mV signal that is proportional to the difference in temperature between its two ends. 2 An RTD is a resistor that changes its resistance near linearly with temperature. 3 A thermistor is a resistor that changes its resistance in a non-linear way with temperature. 4 A solid state sensor requires external power and emits a small linear voltage proportional to temperature.
How does a thermometer measure temperature?
First, it has a sensor to measure the temperature where the thermocouple connects to it – this is known as “cold-junction compensation (CJC). Secondly, it measures the mV signal from the thermocouple.
How does a digital RTD thermometer work?
A digital RTD thermometer is, in essence, an ohmmeter. It measures the resistance of the sensor. To do this, it applies either a very small excitation voltage or current to the sensor and measure the voltage across the sensor. A 4-wire connection is often used to minimize measurement errors – 2-wires to carry the excitation, 2-wires to measure the voltage across the sensor. Very precise systems also reverse the polarity of the excitation and average the two readings to remove and inductive, capacitive and thermocouple effects. Some also pulse the excitation to minimize self-heating of the sensor due to the excitation power.
What is the difference between a thermocouple and a thermistor?
A thermistor is a resistor that changes its resistance in a non-linear way with temperature.
Why does a thermistor have a 2 wire connection?
Because the thermistor change in resistance is large compared to the resistance of the leads , a thermistor usually has a 2-wire connection. The excitation is converted to a voltage signal by the thermistor and the thermometer then converts the measured voltage to temperature.
What is the earliest temperature observation?
The earliest temperature observations in the world: The Medici Network (1654-1670) – Scientific Figure on ResearchGate. Today, the best thermometers are digital, both for speed and for accuracy. Yet, most people do not know how a digital thermometer works. The latest in digital thermometers – the TEGAM 931B Data Logging Digital Thermometer.
Why use a 4 wire sensor?
A 4-wire connection is often used to minimize measurement errors – 2-wires to carry the excitation, 2-wires to measure the voltage across the sensor. Very precise systems also reverse the polarity of the excitation and average the two readings to remove and inductive, capacitive and thermocouple effects.
What is the purpose of a head thermometer?
Forehead (temporal) thermometer. Forehead thermometers use infrared sensors to measure the temperature of the superficial temporal artery , which is a branch of the carotid artery. Some are known as non-contact infrared thermometers.
What temperature do you take with a digital thermometer?
When assessing digital thermometer readings, keep in mind that armpit (axillary) temperature runs about ½ to 1°F (0.6°C) cooler than oral readings. Rectal thermometers run ½ to 1°F (0.6°C) warmer than oral readings.
How accurate are temporal thermometers?
Some research indicates that temporal thermometers may be as accurate as rectal thermometers in children , and provide better readings than ear or armpit thermometers can.
What is the difference between a tympanic thermometer and a rectal thermometer?
Always keep in mind that temperature readings vary, based on how the thermometer is administered: Rectal thermometer readings will be around 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) higher than oral temperature readings. Tympanic thermometer readings are typically 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) higher than oral temperature readings.
How long should you wait to take a rectal thermometer?
Wait at least 15 minutes. Rectal readings may be uncomfortable to get for infants and small children. You shouldn’t use the same thermometer for both rectal and oral readings. This may require the purchase of two thermometers, which should be labeled. Batteries in thermometers should be replaced periodically.
What are the drawbacks of a forehead thermometer?
Forehead thermometers must be positioned accurately and according to the manufacturer’s instructions, or they will not provide the right reading. Readings can be affected by external factors, including drafts, wind, indoor heating, and direct sunlight.
What is the average temperature of mercury?
The average oral temperature reading is 98.6°F (37°C). However, any oral temperature from 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C) is considered typical. Some people run naturally cool, and others slightly warmer.