Medical thermometers, sometimes also called clinical thermometers, are employed for the estimation of body temperature. As a thermometer is needed at home as well as at almost all clinical setups, their necessity generates the need for the manufacturing of different kinds of devices so that the users can choose the one that suits them the most. In general, a good medical thermometer should be quick, accurate, and highly durable. However, there are many other features to look for in a medical thermometer before making a purchase.
Let us go through the features that are considered essential for a medical thermometer to have.
Features to Look for in Medical Thermometer
Apart from accuracy, ease of use, and speed of measurement, a medical or basal thermometer should ideally possess the following features:
1. Precise Temperature Measurements
A good medical thermometer is one which has the ability to measure temperature readings with minimum errors. If the readings displayed by the device are far from the actual body temperature, these cannot be considered reliable.
Therefore, a medical thermometer should be chosen if it has been calibrated properly. Generally, if the temperature reading of a device fluctuates between the ranges of ±0.1°C to ±0.2°C from the original value, the thermometer can be considered accurate.
2. Shorter Reading Time
Everyone wants a thermometer that can measure temperature in the shortest time possible. Keeping this in view, the reading time of some medical thermometers has been shortened up to 1 second. However, the reading time also depends upon the nature of the thermometer. Where infrared forehead thermometers can track the temperature within a second, the pacifier thermometers take up to 6 minutes.
3. Memory for Reading Storage
For a good medical thermometer, a reading storage option is considered an essential feature. This way, whenever you measure your body temperature, the device keeps track of these readings so that they can be accessed later. Most thermometers can save up to 35 readings at a time.
4. Dual Temperature Scale
As temperature can be measured in two scales i.e. Celsius and Fahrenheit, people like to choose the one which is convenient for them. Therefore, an ideal medical thermometer should have the duality of scale option so that one can switch between the two units based on their needs. Moreover, some medical thermometers also display two temperature readings in both scales at the same time.
5. Fever Indicator
If your thermometer has a fever indicator, it gives a signal whenever you have a high fever. This indicator can be in the form of a sound or beep as well as a color-coded display to alert the patient that she or he needs treatment.
6. Sound or Silent Mode
Most medical thermometers, when switched on for the first time, are set on their sound mode. As soon as the device is ready to take a measurement, it gives a signal to alert the user to indicate that the thermometer should now be placed in the mouth, armpits, ear, or rectum.
Similarly, when the device has taken your temperature, another beep indicates that it is time to remove the device and check the value. However, this sound mode can also be switched off while the thermometer is used on a sleeping baby or a resting patient.
7. Readable Digital Display
An LCD display on a medical thermometer is the screen that shows your body temperature reading after its estimation. These LCD displays should be of appropriate size so that anyone can read the value easily. This feature is particularly important if you are purchasing a medical thermometer for your parents or grandparents as poor vision is often associated with the elderly.
8. Probe Cover
The sensor is the metallic part of a medical thermometer that comes into direct contact with the patient’s body. If this sensor has microbes, the patient can easily get infected. Most medical thermometers come with a probe cover which protects the sensor when the device is not in use.
These covers usually made up of plastic, also keep the sensor intact and free from germs. As a result, the thermometer does not catch germs on its sensor and remains hygienic so the chances of infections are lowered.
9. Power Source
Another concern regarding a thermometer is its battery life. Most medical thermometers come with AA or AAA batteries which can be charged by simply using a USB cable. While some run on replaceable power sources such as button cells. However, the rechargeable options are comparatively more cost-effective.
10. Auto Shut-Off Feature
To increase the battery life even further, most medical thermometers have an auto shut-off feature where the device can switch itself off after a few minutes of inactivity. Hence, the battery life is prevented even when the patient forgets to switch it off after use.
Medical Thermometers at Health Supply 770: Products and Specifications
While taking accurate readings for our body temperature, the employment of a medical thermometer becomes necessary. These come in different types including ear thermometers, infrared thermometers, mercury thermometers, smart thermometers, as well as digital thermometers among others, and are used to take precise temperature readings. The following are some of these medical thermometers available at Health Supply 770 along with their brands, features, prices, and purchase links:
81-010001 DeRoyal LCD SensorStrip Temp Indicators
Price: $80.88
Product Details
81-010001 DeRoyal LCD SensorStrip temperature indicators are a product of Sensostrip, USA. These are often employed to take a patient’s skin temperature. The liquid crystals filled in these strips change color over different temperature ranges and display high temperature prominently.
The unit in which the temperature is measured is Fahrenheit and the strip only requires a few seconds to measure and display temperature readings on its LCD screen using its line indicator display technology. Moreover, the accuracy of the device is ±0.5°C or 1°F.
ZS-T1 Clinical Infrared Thermometer
Price: $29.88
Product Details
ZS-T1 Clinical infrared thermometers are devices employed to measure accurate core temperatures from your temporal artery without coming into contact with the skin by using infrared sensors. This feature of these medical thermometers also makes the device safe as the chances of spreading of an infection are minimized. The time required to measure temperature and display the reading is about a second.
Moreover, these non-contact infrared thermometers can store up to 32 temperature readings which can be accessed at a later time. Its auto shut-off feature saves battery. In case of a high basal temperature, the device sets off an alert as an indication to the user. The product is also easy to use due to its digital display and can be operated under low light.
06000-200 Thermoscan Pro 6000 Ear Thermometer
Price: $191.45
Product Details
06000-200 Thermoscan Pro 6000 ear thermometer is a suitable device for measuring ear temperature. The device employs the PerfecTemp technology and displays a reading within 1 second. Its hygienic probe cover keeps the tip clean and hygienic for multiple uses. These tympanic thermometers also have a color-coded fever indicator.
As the memory system is in place, the device can store up to 9 temperature readings. The product has a digital display that is backlit to make it easy for you to read your temperature value. The charging spot is also conveniently designed to assist in recharging. Overall, the Thermoscan medical thermometer is excellent for use in small children, adults, as well as the elderly.
08-300 Veridian Digital Oral Thermometers
Price: $5.88
Product Details
08-300 Veridian oral digital thermometers HK-901 are accurate and reliable devices often employed in professional healthcare settings. The device has a one-button operation which makes it easy to use and operate for everyone so there is no need to go through manufacturer’s user manuals to understand thermometers. These digital thermometers are waterproof so can be easily cleaned. When it comes to storing the temperature readings, the device can store up to 25 values.
The Veridian oral medical thermometer is also lightweight and portable. In addition, the device also shuts down when it is not used for 10 minutes. In addition, if you have a fever, the device can also give a fever alert in the form of a display and a beep. The time required to measure oral temperature and display a reading is only 60 seconds.
HK-901 Digital Thermometers
Price: $7.88
Product Details
HK-901 Digital thermometer is a device that takes your body temperature and provides you with accurate readings. These digital oral thermometers are simple to use and can give results within 10 seconds. Its accuracy is up to ± 0.2°F or ± 0.1°C.
As this medical thermometer is free from harmful mercury-based design unlike glass thermometers, it is extremely safe to use as well as hygienic. Hence, understanding thermometers makes their usage safer. This feature is particularly important when it comes to choosing the right thermometer.
If the product detects high than normal internal temperature readings, it sets off an alarm to alert the user. Its auto shut-off feature is excellent for saving battery. Moreover, the device is efficient in storing the last oral readings you checked so that you can access them later.
Welch Allyn Braun Theroscan Pro 6000 Ear Thermometer 06000-200
Price: $246.62
Product Details
When it comes to choosing a good medical thermometer, Welch Allyn Braun Theroscan Pro 6000 ear thermometer 06000-200 is always among the best options. It is a highly sensitive device and works on the PerfecTemp technology which enables it to adjust itself according to the ambient temperature.
The placement of the probe in the curved ear canal is also self-adjusted so that accurate and reliable readings are delivered. The time the system takes to measure your temperature is merely 1 second. The system comes with a memory of up to 9 readings. Moreover, the convenient data storage system allows for easy tracking of the temperature readings.
Its color-coded fever indicator displays certain colors to show if the temperature is normal or above normal. Due to its small size and lighter weight, the device is also portable and can be carried around easily. Its disposable cover enables the device to remain as clean as possible by protecting it against germs thus reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
Welch Allyn SureTemp Plus 690 Electronic Thermometers 01690-300
Price: $365.27
Product Details
Welch Allyn SureTemp Plus 690 electronic thermometer 01690-300, like other types of thermometers, is an ideal product for taking oral, axillary, and rectal temperatures. This feature makes the product suitable for patients belonging to all age groups. The device takes the readings quickly within 4 to 6 seconds when used orally while for the rectal route, 10 to 13 seconds are required.
However, for axillary temperature readings, the device takes 12 to 15 seconds in adults and 10 to 13 seconds in pediatric patients. The durability of the product is high so it lasts longer once purchased. As a power option, the product has 3 AAA batteries. Overall, this Welch Allyn SureTemp Plus electronic thermometer is suitable for use at home as well as in clinical settings.
Berrcom Digital Forehead Thermometers
Price: $14.99
Product Details
Berrcom non-contact digital forehead thermometers test body temperature from a distance and obtain accurate measurements. These are easy to use and have shorter response times in addition to an easy-to-read back display. The device works in 6 modes and has replaceable AA batteries. A low battery indicator alerts the patients if the device needs recharging.
Moreover, when it comes to choosing the right medical thermometer, this product should be preferred as it is best for use among pediatric patients starting from 3 months of age and is known to give the most accurate readings.
Both silent as well as sound modes are available along with the dual functionality in two temperature scales i.e. in Celsius as well as Fahrenheit. Like pacifier thermometers, these temporal artery thermometers are also used to take a child’s temperature with convenience.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.
The different types of medical thermometers mentioned in this article, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the links given in the article to check the wide range of medical thermometers on the website.
Conclusion
Medical thermometers are needed to check your basal temperature to find out the possible temperature increases indicating the presence of fever. Typically, a medical thermometer is needed to be accurate and durable but many other features should be considered while buying the device.
For instance, one should look for a medical thermometer that has a shorter reading time, can store multiple readings, and has a reliable and long-lasting power source. In a nutshell, the choice boils down to the patient’s personal preferences.
While choosing the right medical thermometer, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached as they not only ensure the provision of quality products but also offer satisfactory services.
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
