Medical thermometers are the diagnostic tools used for the measurement of accurate temperature readings. Thermometers are employed in every healthcare facility as well as at home for the diagnosis of fever. Several different options are available in the market which include mercury thermometers, no-contact infrared ear thermometers, contact thermometers, temporal artery thermometers, as well as ear thermometers among others. When it comes to choosing the right thermometer, it is essential to look for accuracy, ease of usage, as well as cost.
The following article presents a practical guide for choosing the right thermometer along with focusing on the types of thermometers available in the US market.
From October 1, 2023, to June 1, 2024, 35 to 64 million people have been affected with flu, most of whom have experienced fever and need thermometers.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Taking Temperature Readings: Thermometers of all Kinds
While choosing the right thermometer according to your needs, it is best to go through the following types to choose the best product:
Digital Thermometers
Digital thermometers are equipped with electronic sensors which can measure temperature quickly and accurately. Suitable routes for these kinds of thermometers are oral, rectal, and axillary (armpits). Presently, all the thermometers have a digital display system, unlike the mercury thermometers which indicate temperature reading by adjusting the level of liquid mercury in the glass body.
Non-Contact Thermometers
Non-contact thermometers work on the basis of infrared technology. These just have to be brought near the body and skin temperature can be taken without making any physical contact. Some thermometers which use this principle include:
Forehead or Tympanic Thermometers
Forehead thermometers, also called tympanic thermometers, are devices that are to be placed on the forehead to check your body temperature. They do not require skin contact for temperature estimation. These use infrared technology to estimate your body temperature from the temporal artery. Therefore, while choosing the right thermometer for children, these forehead ones should be considered.
Ear Thermometers
Ear thermometers are handheld devices that are placed into the ear canal to estimate your internal body temperature. These are easy to use and have high suitability for all age groups except infants.
Rectal Thermometers
When it comes to choosing the right thermometer for children, rectal thermometers are often preferred. This is because these are easy to use in pediatric groups and give accurate temperature readings.
Pediatric Thermometers
While choosing the right thermometer for pediatric patients, it is important to keep in mind their comfort. Nowadays, specially designed thermometers are available for children. These include:
Pacifier Thermometers
A pacifier thermometer is suitable for infants and pediatric patients who use a pacifier. These thermometers are placed in the oral cavity and the digital display on the pacifier gives the temperature value. These are extremely easy to use but they usually take up to 6 minutes to give the temperature readings. As the babies usually do not keep pacifiers for that long, sometimes it becomes tough to get an accurate reading.
Smart Thermometers
Smart thermometers are relatively newer in the line. These comprise digital thermometers which are used by connecting them to a smartphone or a computer. These can easily track your body temperature throughout the day and display it on the screen. Moreover, this temperature data can be mapped to find out your temperature fluctuation patterns.
Bluetooth Thermometers
Bluetooth thermometers are quite similar to smart ones as these also work when you connect them to your mobile device. The connection is made based on the Bluetooth technology. These thermometers can also track your temperature over an extended period of time and give you reminders accordingly.
Choosing the Right Thermometers
If you are planning to buy a new thermometer, the following factors should be kept in mind while choosing the right thermometer that is most suited to your needs:
Look for Accuracy
Something that is needed from a medical device like thermometers is their high accuracy so that the readings are as near as possible to the real ones. Among thermometers, the digital ones are considered more accurate than other types of thermometers. However, for children, rectal temperatures should be preferred as these are easy to use and have high accuracy.
All thermometers come with their accuracy value mentioned in their specifications. Generally, a thermometer with ± 0.1°C to ± 0.2°C variation in the temperature readings should be considered accurate when choosing the right thermometer for yourself or for your patient.
Ease is the Key
A thermometer should be easy to operate while measuring body temperature and should display clear readings that can be read and interpreted easily.
Suitability for Age
Despite the wide variety of thermometers available in the market, not every thermometer is suitable for patients belonging to all age groups. As an example, a tympanic or ear thermometer is easy to use in children and adults but is not ideal for infants due to its bulky size. Similarly, rectal thermometers are best for children for taking accurate temperature readings but adults might not prefer them.
Consider the Cost Factor
For choosing the right thermometer, it is also essential to look at its price. Therefore, apart from other features, a thermometer should also be cost-effective so it should not be heavy on your pocket.
Different Types of Thermometers at Health Supply 770: Products and Specifications
When it comes to taking accurate temperature readings, the markets are filled with many different types of thermometers. These include ear thermometers, infrared thermometers, glass thermometers, dial thermometers, as well as digital thermometers among others. All these devices have their own merits and demerits which should be considered while choosing the right thermometer. Some of these thermometers available at Health Supply 770 have been enlisted as follows:
08-300 Veridian Digital Oral Thermometer
Price: $5.88
Product Details
08-300 Veridian digital oral thermometer HK-901 is one of the most accurate thermometers used in professional healthcare settings. The time required to measure and display a reading is only 60 seconds. The device has a one-button operation which makes it easy to use and operate for everyone.
The Veridian oral thermometer is also lightweight and portable. These 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 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.
HK-901 Digital Thermometers
Price: $7.88
Product Details
HK-901 Digital thermometer is a device that measures 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. Moreover, the device can also store the last reading you checked so that you can access that later.
Its auto shut-off feature is excellent for saving battery. As this thermometer is free from harmful mercury-based design unlike glass thermometers, it is extremely safe to use as well as hygienic. 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.
KMP Digital Stick Thermometer 413EKM-00
Price: $47.64
Product Details
KMP Digital stick thermometer 413EKM-00 can measure temperature in both Celsius as well as Fahrenheit units. The device can detect and set off an alarm when it has taken the temperature reading. The reading time is within 60 seconds. Furthermore, the KMP digital stick thermometer is water-resistant and long-lasting.
06000-200 Thermoscan Pro 6000 Ear Thermometer
Price: $191.45
Product Details
06000-200 Thermoscan Pro 6000 ear thermometer employs the PerfecTemp technology and gives a reading within 1 second. Its hygienic probe cover keeps the tip clean and hygienic for multiple uses. The product has a digital display that is backlit to make it easy for you to read your temperature value.
The device also has a color-coded fever indicator. As the memory system is in place, the device can store up to 9 temperature readings. The charging spot is also conveniently designed to assist in recharging. Overall, the product is excellent for use in children, adults, as well as the elderly.
Welch Allyn Braun Theroscan Pro 6000 Ear Thermometer 06000-200
Price: $246.62
Product Details
When it comes to choosing the right thermometer, Welch Allyn Braun Theroscan Pro 6000 ear thermometer 06000-200 is always among the best options. It works on the PerfecTemp technology which enables it to adjust itself according to the ambient temperature. The placement of the probe 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.
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. Moreover, the convenient data storage system allows for easy tracking of the temperature readings.
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 oral, rectal, or axillary use. 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 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 are easy to use and come with an easy-to-read back display. The device works in 6 modes and has replaceable AA batteries. Both silent as well as sound modes are available along with the dual functionality in two temperature scales.
A low battery indicator alerts the patients if the device needs recharging. Moreover, when it comes to choosing the right 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.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. Thy may vary depending on the vendor.
The different types of 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 thermometers on the website.
Conclusion
Thermometers are necessary medical devices that are employed to measure your body temperature to detect if you have a fever. Their vast usage in hospitals, clinics, as well as at homes has made them necessary to have.
When it comes to choosing the right thermometer, it is advised to learn about the several different types available in the market and go through their features to find out the most suitable product for your needs. In this regard, accuracy, convenient usage, and suitability for certain age groups, as well as the overall cost of the product should be considered.
While choosing the right thermometer for your family, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached as they not only ensure the provision of quality products but also offer satisfactory services.
References
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/preliminary-in-season-estimates.htm
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.
