Types of Medical Thermometers

A medical or clinical thermometer is one, which is used to measure body temperature of human beings. They are of different types based on design and mode of use (location).

Location:

Based on location of use, medical thermometers measure temperatures of three types: sub lingual or oral temperature (placed under the tongue), axillary temperature (placed below arm pit) and rectal temperature (placed in the rectum via the anus).

Oral temperature is used for a patient, who can hold thermometer securely under the tongue. This rules out small children and those who are unconscious or overcome by vomiting or cough. Typical temperature range for such thermometers is from 35 degree C to 42 degree C.

Axillarry temperature is measured by holding thermometer tightly under the armpit. It must be held for several minutes for accurate measurement.

Rectal temperature is measured by using thermometer along with personal water-based lubricant. Though it is accurate, such methods are usually embarrassing or unpleasant. It is mostly used to take temperature of infants.

Design:

Digital thermometers:

Such regular thermometers use electronic heat sensors to measure body temperature. They can be used in mouth, armpit or rectum. They are ideal for both infants and adults.

Digital ear thermometers:

They are also called tympanic thermometers, which use an infra-red ray to record temperature inside ear canal. They are ideal for adults and older children.

Digital Pacifier thermometers:

If your baby uses pacifier, it is good to use this type of thermometer. Peak temperature reading is recorded while baby sucks at pacifier.

Temporal artery thermometers:

These are forehead thermometers, which use an infra red scanner to record the temperature in the temporal artery in the forehead.

They are easy to use and accurate. They are ideal for both newborns and adults.

Mercury thermometers:

They were the staple in most home medicine cabinets. They use mercury encased in glass to record body temperature. They are no longer recommended as breakage can release mercury, which is toxic.

Based on your requirements and deciding what suits you, one can do thermometer online shopping.  Thermometers are a must for your home medical cabinet as fever is a common condition from infants to adults.