Measuring body temperature is one of the preliminary tests while making a diagnosis. This indicates the importance of thermometers as essential medical products employed for taking a temperature reading. Nowadays, many different types of thermometers are available in the market including digital ones, infrared thermometers, as well as special ear or tympanic thermometers for taking a child’s temperature.
Let us dive into the types of thermometers in detail and learn in what ways they differ from each other.
Types of Thermometers
The following types of thermometers are commonly employed:
Digital Thermometers
Digital thermometers are the ones that measure body temperature by employing heat sensors. These sensors work quickly and can give you a reading within 60 seconds.
Merits of Digital Thermometers
Digital thermometers are superior to other types of thermometers due to the following reasons:
– A digital thermometer can measure oral temperature as well as is also suitable for use in the armpits and rectum.
– These types of thermometers are well-known for their speed as well as accuracy of readings.
Demerits of Digital Thermometers
Digital thermometers have some drawbacks as well:
– Taking an oral temperature with digital thermometers immediately after eating or drinking can increase the likelihood of an inaccurate reading.
– The same thermometer cannot be used for oral and rectal measurements. Therefore, one needs to purchase multiple products for different uses.
Rectal temperature is higher than oral temperature by approximately 0.5°F to 0.7°F (0.27°C to 0.38°C) which is greater than the axillary/armpit one by a fraction of 1.0°F (0.55°C).1
Ear or Tympanic Thermometers
Tympanic or ear thermometers are handheld thermometers that are constructed to measure body temperature by employing infrared ray technology. The thermometer is inserted into the ear canal and the device shows the reading.
Merits of Ear Thermometers
The ear thermometers provide the following advantages:
– Among other types of thermometers, these infrared ear thermometers are known for accurate temperature measurement.
– Despite their vast applications, these ear thermometers are not suitable for children under 6 months of age due to their bigger size.
Usually, our oral temperatures are 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) lesser than the ear temperatures.
Demerits of Ear Thermometers
Along with these merits, the ear thermometers have some of the demerits as well:
-As these thermometers are inserted into the ear canal, the presence of ear wax can interfere with their readings.
-If not properly positioned, the readings taken by a tympanic thermometer cannot be considered fully accurate.
-These thermometers are not suitable for usage in patients who are dealing with ear conditions.
-Tympanic thermometers are bigger so cannot be used in infants.
Oral Thermometers
Oral thermometers come in two forms i.e. either mercury ones or digital ones. Both differ in construction but work the same way. You just have to place the thermometer under your tongue for a few seconds or until the device gives a beep signal.
Merits of Oral Thermometers
Oral thermometers have the following merits:
-These types of thermometers are the most suited options for adults as well as for children because of their easy usage.
Demerits of Oral Thermometers
During their usage, you should avoid opening your mouth as the external environment may interfere with the temperature readings. Therefore, for individuals who habitually breathe through their mouth, these might not be the right choice.
Mercury Thermometers
Mercury thermometers are one of the oldest types of thermometers that have been in use and are usually referred to as clinical thermometers. These thermometers have liquid mercury filled in a glass body. When put in the mouth, rectum, or under the armpits, the mercury goes up based on the temperature you have. The time required to take the reading is more than 100 seconds.
Merits of Mercury Thermometers
Mercury thermometers have the following plus points:
-These types of thermometers are advantageous as they do not require batteries or charging.
-Mercury thermometers can easily measure high temperatures as well.
-The expansion of the mercury happens linearly so the temperature can be visualized easily.
Demerits of Mercury Thermometers
Despite the vast usage of mercury thermometers in the past, the risks involved with their utilization are many. The thermometer tip as well as the glass body can easily break between the teeth and can cut the tongue. The mercury in the thermometer can also get swallowed.
Temporal or Infrared Thermometers
Temporal thermometers are also called forehead thermometers, infrared thermometers, or non-contact infrared thermometers. These measure our body temperature by estimating the internal temperature from the carotid artery in the forehead.
Merits of Infrared Thermometers
Infrared thermometers have the following merits:
-These thermometers work quickly and give the reading within a few seconds.
-Temporal thermometers were extensively used during the COVID-19 pandemic as these do not require to physically touch the skin to measure temperature. Therefore, these can be used in people of all age groups.
Demerits of Infrared Thermometers
The easy-to-use infrared thermometers are sometimes not preferred due to the following reasons:
-Usually, infrared thermometers are more expensive than other types of thermometers.
-Hot or cold temperatures in the environment can interfere with their readings.
Suitability of Thermometer Based on Monitory Site
The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence2 has specified the use of some types of thermometers for certain body sites. These thermometers as well as their suitable sites have been given in the table:
| Types of Thermometers | Recommended Body Sites |
| Digital thermometers | Oral, rectal, and axillary |
| Infrared ear thermometers | Ear canal |
| Infrared temporal thermometers | Forehead, ear lobe, and axillary |
| Mercury thermometers | Oral, rectal, and axillary |
| Pacifier thermometers for pediatrics | Oral cavity |
Different Types of Thermometers at Health Supply 770: Products and Specifications
When it comes to taking temperature measurements, 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 advantages and disadvantages but they do provide a choice to the users based on their preference. Some of these thermometers available at Health Supply 770 have been enlisted as follows:
HK-901 Digital Thermometer
Price: $7.88
Product Details
HK-901 Digital thermometer is a device that measures your 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 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
Welch Allyn Braun Theroscan 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 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 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.
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, the product is best for use among pediatric patients starting from 3 months of age.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. Thy may vary over time.
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
In every household, some of the medical devices, like some medications, are necessary to have at all times. One of these essential items is a thermometer to measure the temperature when you become sick. Many different types of thermometers are available in the market.
These include previously used mercury thermometers as well as the relatively newer versions such as ear thermometers, digital thermometers, as well as infrared thermometers, etc. All of these versions have their benefits and drawbacks. The choice of the right thermometer not only depends on the needs of the patient but also the capability of the device.
While buying different types of thermometers, 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.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK331
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.
Throughout her career, Uzma has actively contributed to the pharmaceutical sciences, with specific research on suspension formulation and Hepatitis C risk factors and side effects. Additionally, Uzma has lent her expertise to review and fact-check articles for the Health Supply 770 blog, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the information presented.
As she continues her PhD, expected to complete in 2025, Uzma is eager to contribute further to the field by combining her deep knowledge of pharmaceutics with real-world applications to meet global professional standards and challenges.
