Thermometer is a type of instrument that you can use to measure your body temperature. You may have seen this device in hospitals where nurses and doctors use them for measuring patients’ body temperatures. Apart from this, they are also used to measure food, water and air temperatures. Mercury or clinical thermometers are specifically designed in order to measure human body temperatures. Read on to know more.
In this article, we are going to focus on three types of thermometers: mercury, digital and infrared. We will go into details of each type of units to help you know more about them. This will make it easier for you to choose a unit that can meet your temperature measurement needs. Just make sure you know what you need.
Mercury Thermometer
First of all, you should shake the unit, which will move the mercury inside the tube. Next, you should place the marked part of the device under your tongue for around two minutes. Don’t open your mouth during this time or the reading may be inaccurate.
Another way is to place the meter in your armpit. For this method, you need to wait a little longer, which should be at least 3 minutes.
Digital Thermometer
This device has a heat sensor known as thermistor. What sets it apart from the mercury type is that it offers more versatility. Plus, it can give you an accurate reading in less than a minute.
This unit is more complex compared to the traditional type. These devices feature a semiconductor element for measuring temperature. The microprocessor inside these thermometers can give a reading in less than 30 seconds. This unit gets the required power from a small battery. The internal microprocessor shuts off when kept on for an extended period of time.
Infrared Thermometer
These units use infrared light in order to measure temperature. You don’t need to touch your body with this device to get a reading. A major drawback of the meter is that they can only measure the temperature on the surface of something. The advantage is that they can instantly give an accurate reading.
Common Features
- Allows quick detection of body/surface temperature
- Allows quick display of the results on the LCD screen
- The response of the device is quite quick
- Can be used to measure temperatures between 89.6F and 108.5F
- Can help measure the surface temperature without touching the surface
- The alarms can be adjusted to notify when the temperatures goes beyond the programmed limit
- The optimum distance that the unit can measure the temperatures between is 1.9 and 5.9 inches
- The unit is sturdy enough to withstand falls
- There is no need to get replacement supplies
- Prevents the spread of infection from one person to another
The Takeaway
So, this was a description of different types of thermometers. Based on the advantages and disadvantages of each device, you can easily make a choice. Each unit has its set of pros and cons. The selection depends upon your needs and preferences.