Are you feeling a little off today? If yes, the reason might be a low-grade fever which needs treatment. For confirmation, a thermometer is required which can measure your body temperature with accuracy. Most thermometers have liquids (mercury or alcohol) filled in them which expand upon an increase in temperature while others employ infrared technology to measure body temperature.
Among these several options, choosing the right device can be overwhelming. Therefore, the following section enlists the features to look for in a thermometer that is to be used in the home or healthcare settings.
Thermometers for Home Use: A Buyer’s Guide
When you need to buy a thermometer for home use, it is essential to choose the device based on the following features:
● Accuracy
First and foremost, an essential feature of a good thermometer is its high accuracy. If a thermometer cannot measure the temperature value exactly as it is, chances are that minor fluctuations will be missed altogether. Therefore, the therapy followed by the primary temperature measurement will be affected.
In this regard, an accuracy of ± 0.1°C to ± 0.2°C variation in the temperature readings is accepted as a general criterion. When it comes to the types of thermometers, the digital ones are more accurate than the mercury thermometers.
● Reading Time
Thermometers from different brands have different reading times. Some can give the temperature reading within 1 second while others take up to 60 seconds to display a final temperature value. For children, a thermometer with minimum reading time should be given preference as they do not stay still for longer during the measurement process. However, for adults, usually, any reading time is suitable.
● Ease of Usage
A good thermometer for home settings should be easy enough to use for the patient or the caregiver. It enables the users to properly understand the steps of employing the device as well as interpreting the results.
● Bigger Display
Thermometers with bigger LED-based digital displays are easy to read for the patients. In addition, a backlit feature should also be looked for as it can assist in reading the measurements at night.
● Audible Beep System
Most thermometer systems have the feature of giving a beep sound once the device is ready to be used. This indicates that the thermometer can be put in the mouth, rectum, armpit, or ear for temperature measurement. Once the reading has been taken by the device, the thermometer gives a beep indicator once again. Although this beep sound feature can be turned on or off as per your own choice.
● Fever Alert System
Digital thermometers, unlike the mercury ones, are equipped with a fever alert system that sets off an alarm or a color-coded display when a temperature higher than the normal range is detected. This way, the patients get a confirmation that they have a fever and need treatment. Furthermore, this feature is particularly helpful for the elderly who might not be able to accurately read the temperature value from the display.
● Insertion Guide
For rectal thermometers, an insertion guide is often necessary as it indicates how far the thermometer has to be inserted into the rectal opening. This ensures the safety of the child without affecting the temperature measurement.
● Memory
Most thermometers can store up to 35 temperature readings which can be accessed later. If your device has this feature, then you can go back to the previous measurements and compare your current condition to check if your medications are working.
● Tip Flexibility
A thermometer with flexible tips is more comfortable to use than those with fixed tips. These flexible devices are particularly ideal for rectal use.
● Cost
The cost of the thermometer should also be affordable for the patient.
Thermometers for Clinical Use: A Buyer’s Guide
Although the above-mentioned features are not only considerable for thermometers for home use, one should also look for them in devices needed for clinics, hospitals, etc. In addition, the following features are also necessarily needed:
● Suitability for all Age Groups
In a professional setup, multiple thermometers should be kept so that the most suitable one can be selected depending on the patient’s age. For instance, most adults usually prefer oral thermometers as they are convenient but for children, other types of thermometers should be chosen based on their age. Pacifier thermometers are ideal for infants while ear thermometers are good for children above 3 months of age. In addition, infrared forehead thermometers can also be used.
● Versatility
Some thermometers can be used in different body locations. These come with multiple tip options which can be easily changed. Hence, the same thermometer can be employed for different purposes thus leading to cost-cutting.
● Durability
As a thermometer in a healthcare setting is intended to be used several times during the day, it should have high durability. The thermometer should also be able to retain its accurate functionality throughout its usage period.
● Hygiene
A clinical thermometer is employed in multiple individuals. Hence, the likelihood of transmission of an infection from one patient to another is much higher. Therefore, a device that can be cleaned and disinfected easily should be given preference.
● Longer Battery Life
Thermometers with longer battery life should be chosen for employment in healthcare setups.
Thermometers at Health Supply 770: Products and Specifications
For taking accurate readings of our body temperature, many different thermometers can be employed depending on the patient’s needs. These include axillary and tympanic thermometers, infrared thermometers, mercury thermometers, rectal thermometers, glass thermometers, forehead thermometers, as well as digital thermometers among others. One should buy a product based on their personal needs and preferences. Some of these thermometers available at Health Supply 770 will be listed as follows:
ZS-T1 Clinical Infrared Thermometer
Price: $29.88
Product Details
ZS-T1 Clinical infrared thermometer is a product that can estimate your body temperature from your temporal artery without coming into physical contact with the skin by using infrared radiation. This feature renders the product safe as the chances of spreading an infection are minimized. Moreover, these non-contact infrared thermometers can store up to 32 temperature readings which can be accessed later.
The auto shut-off feature saves battery. In case of a high body temperature, the device sets off an alert to let the user know. The time required to measure temperature and display the reading is 1 second. Unlike understanding thermometers which are complicated to employ, this product is also easy to use due to its digital display and can be operated under low light. For long-term functionality, a thermometer should be stored away properly from direct sunlight.
08-300 Veridian Digital Oral Thermometers
Price: $5.88
Product Details
08-300 Veridian digital oral thermometers HK-901 are accurate devices that are used in professional healthcare settings such as clinics and hospitals. Once positioned properly, the device works on infrared technology and has a one-button operation which makes it easy to use and operate for everyone so there is no need to go through user manuals for understanding thermometers.
The Veridian oral thermometer is also lightweight and portable. The device also shuts down when it is not used for 10 minutes. 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. 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 thermometers are oral thermometers that take your body temperature and provide you with accurate readings. As this thermometer is free from harmful mercury-based design unlike glass thermometers, it is extremely safe to use as well as hygienic. 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.
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 can also store the last oral readings you checked so that you can access them later. Apart from taking oral readings, the HK-190 digital thermometer is also suitable for taking rectal measurements.
06000-200 Thermoscan Pro 6000 Ear Thermometer
Price: $191.45
Product Details
06000-200 Thermoscan Pro 6000 infrared ear thermometer is ideal for ear temperature measurement. The device employs the PerfecTemp technology and displays a reading within 1 second. These tympanic thermometers also have a color-coded fever indicator. Its hygienic probe cover keeps the tip clean and hygienic for multiple uses.
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. The product has a digital display that is backlit to make it easy for you to read your temperature value. The device is ideal for taking a child’s temperature.
Welch Allyn Braun Theroscan Pro 6000 Ear Thermometer 06000-200
Price: $246.62
Product Details
Welch Allyn Braun Theroscan Pro 6000 ear thermometer 06000-200 is one of the best devices for taking temperature readings used in primary care for screening purposes. It works on the PerfecTemp technology which enables it to adjust itself according to the ambient temperature. 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.
The placement of the probe in the curved ear canal is also self-adjusted so that an accurate reading is 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 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. Among different types of thermometers, this product is often chosen for children.
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 axillary, rectal, and oral use. This feature makes the product suitable for patients belonging to all age groups. The durability of the product is high so it lasts longer once purchased. As a power option, the product has 3 AAA batteries.
The device can measure a temperature reading quickly within 4 to 6 seconds when used orally while for 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. Overall, this Welch Allyn SureTemp Plus electronic thermometer is reliable for use in the household as well as in clinical settings in both adult and child patients.
Berrcom Digital Forehead Thermometers
Price: $14.99
Product Details
Berrcom non-contact digital forehead thermometers are used to determine accurate temperature measurements. These devices are easy to use and comprehend due to their digital display. Moreover, when it comes to choosing the right thermometer, this product should be preferred as it is best for use among infants 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. The device works in 6 modes and has replaceable AA batteries. A low battery indicator alerts the patients if the device needs recharging. 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 prices may vary over time.
The different kinds 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.
Conclusion
Thermometers are one of the basic medical devices that are used in home settings as well as in hospitals and clinics for taking body temperature. Although many different types of thermometers are available, one must choose a device that suits their needs the most.
For this purpose, ease of usage, versatility, durability, reading time, as well as the cost of a thermometer is commonly considered among other factors, and a choice is made. 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.
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.
