Is your child bothered by oral or rectal thermometers every time they get a fever? If yes, non-contact infrared thermometers (NCITs) are what you are looking for. These thermometers, as the name suggests, employ infrared technology to estimate body temperature from a distance without touching your skin and are thus considered the most convenient and patient-friendly temperature measuring systems.
In this article, let us focus on how these infrared thermometers work and what benefits they provide when employed in medical settings.
Infrared Thermometers: No-Touch Temperature Measurement Systems
Infrared thermometers are one of the widely used temperature-measuring devices. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved some brands of infrared thermometers. These are easy to operate so no special training is required before employing them. Their smaller size makes these thermometers easy to handle as well as portable. An infrared thermometer is placed in the middle of the forehead to check the temperature of an individual.
Working Principle
Our body is a set of millions of molecules that are in a state of random motion all the time. The speed at which these molecules move depends upon our body temperature. The higher it is, the faster the molecules move. An infrared thermometer works by estimating the intensity of the movement of these molecules in our temporal artery and displays a relevant temperature value.
Features of Infrared Thermometers
The infrared thermometers possess the following notable features:
Ultra-Sensitive Sensors
Infrared thermometers are equipped with multiple ultra-sensitive infrared sensors that measure your body temperature with high accuracy and precision. This way, the reading time is also shortened to 1 second as the device works quickly to deliver results faster. As for their accuracy, the infrared thermometers have a value within the range of ±0.3°C (±0.5°F).
Long-Term Durability
Infrared thermometers are highly reliable devices. These are strongly built and can easily last up to 1000 hours of usage.
Sensitivity
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infrared thermometers have 80 to 99% sensitivity. This means that the device can detect even small changes in body temperature.
Fever Alert System
As soon as the infrared thermometers come across a temperature higher than the normal range, they set off a beep sound to alert the user. This feature was extremely useful during the pandemic.
Auto Power Off Feature
Most infrared thermometers have an auto power off feature which switches the device off automatically when it is not in use. This feature helps save power for long-term use.
High Patient Convenience
Infrared thermometers are easy to use and highly convenient for patients as they are non-invasive and only require a second to take the reading.
Advantages of Infrared Thermometers
The use of infrared thermometers has been associated with the following benefits:
· Because of the infrared sensors, these devices can take temperature readings quickly within 1 second.
· As these thermometers are non-invasive, they increase patient comfort.
· Infrared thermometers are easy to set and do not require much work before putting them to use.
· Due to being highly sensitive in temperature measurement, infrared thermometers are suitable for all age groups including children as well as adults.
· As infrared thermometers measure temperature readings from a distance, these remain hygienic and safe to use among multiple patients.
· Apart from medical use, these thermometers can be used to take surface temperatures.
· The cost of infrared thermometers is often less than that of other contact thermometers.
Disadvantages of Infrared Thermometers
The infrared thermometers, despite their numerous benefits, also come with certain disadvantages:
· IR thermometers can be considered accurate but their accuracy does not exceed that of oral or rectal thermometers.
· When used in direct sunlight or extreme cold, the chances of getting inaccurate readings with these devices are high.
· In the case of forehead infrared thermometers, factors like sweating can also affect reading accuracy.
   ·  Manual errors are likely to occur with the use of infrared thermometers. If held too close or too far from the patient, the instrument cannot estimate the reading correctly.Â
For accurate temperature measurements, an infrared thermometer should be held between 1.2 to 6 inches (3 to 5 cm) from the body.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Infrared Thermometers at Health Supply 770: Products, Features, and Specifications
Many kinds of thermometers are available in the market most of which are accurate, reliable, and easy to use. However, not all options are equally patient-friendly. Especially in children, the use of invasive devices like oral or rectal thermometers becomes difficult.
Therefore, non-contact infrared thermometers provide a great alternative that is accurate as well as budget-friendly. Some of these infrared thermometers available at Health Supply 770 have been enlisted as follows along with prices and purchase links:
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 an infection are minimized.
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.
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.
Berrcom Digital Infrared Forehead Thermometers
Price: $14.99
Product Details
Berrcom non-contact digital infrared 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, the product is best for use among pediatric patients starting from 3 months of age.
Other Contact Thermometers at Health Supply 770
08-300 Veridian Digital Oral Thermometer
Price: $5.88
Product Details
08-300 Veridian digital oral thermometer HK-901 is one of the widely used in professional healthcare settings for taking oral temperature readings. With their high thermometer accuracy, the temperature readings obtained from them are reliable.
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.
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 which have high thermometer accuracy. 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 thermometer accuracy is ±0.5°C or 1°F.
HK-901 Digital Thermometer
Price: $7.88
Product Details
HK-901 Digital thermometer is a device that measures your core body temperature and provides you with accurate readings. This digital thermometer is 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. 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 an ear temperature measurement within 1 second. Its hygienic thermometer 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 Thermoscan Pro 6000 Ear Thermometer 06000-200
Price: $246.62
Product Details
Welch Allyn Braun Thermoscan Pro 6000 ear thermometer 06000-200 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 for monitoring 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, these tympanic thermometers are 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.
Welch Allyn SureTemp Plus 690 Electronic Thermometer 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.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.
The different types of infrared 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
Infrared thermometers are one of the most patient-friendly devices that can be used in professional settings as well as at home. These thermometers are easy to use so everyone can employ them when need be.
An infrared thermometer does not have to come into physical contact with your skin to take your temperature. Rather, it is to be held close to your body until the device displays a reading. That’s why, the patients are more comfortable when IR thermometers are used during their examination.
Many brands are manufacturing infrared thermometers that have high accuracy as well as improved patient convenience. For making a purchase, 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://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/24857/cdc_24857_DS1.pdf
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.
