Essentials Home Healthcare Posture Rehabilitation Respiratory Sports Sprains & Strains

Thermometers



A thermometer is a device that measures the body's temperature.

What is a normal Body Temperature?

Normal body temperature varies depending on the person, age, activity, and time of day. The average normal body temperature is thought to be 98.6°F (37°C). According to some research, "normal" body temperature can range from 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C).
A temperature of more than 100.4°F (38°C) usually indicates a fever caused by an infection or disease.
The temperature of the body changes during the day.

What is the Best Place for Taking a Temperature?

The ear, mouth, rectum, and armpit can all be used to take your body temperature. However, all of these are indirect techniques of measuring body temperature, which is not the same as core temperature. Rectum temperature measuring gives greater values than axillary temperature measurement. In general, rectal or oral temperature measures are more accurate than the other two.

Adults can choose from any of these four options, as long as the minor differences are considered. However, this is not the case for children. When it comes to small children, determining the best place to measure their body temperature is a little more challenging.

How to Take Your Own Body Temperature?

Taking an Oral Temperature

Insert the tip of a digital/disposable thermometer beneath the tongue. Place the thermometer to one side of your mouth and lock your lips tightly. Leave in place for 5 minutes, timed with a watch or a clock. If you use a digital thermometer, it has its own timer and will emit a sequence of beeps when it is finished. Gently remove the reading from the mouth. Clean the thermometer with cool water and soap, then rinse well before storing it.

Taking a Rectal Temperature

Rectal measurement is frequently used on babies and children. First, apply a small amount of lubricant on the thermometer bulb, such as petroleum jelly (tip). Place the baby/child face down on your lap (or a bed). With one hand spreading the child's buttocks, gently insert the tip of a rectal thermometer about 0.5 to 1 inch (1.25 - 2.5 cm) into the anus with the other. Avoid burying it too deeply. Hold it in place with your buttocks pressed together. leave it there for about 5 minutes. Carefully remove from the anus and take the reading.<>p

Clean the thermometer with cool water and soap, then rinse well before storing it. And please note that, never use an oral thermometer to take a rectal temperature, and vice versa.

Taking an Axillary Temperature

If you decide that taking a temperature in the armpit is the best option, position the thermometer's bulb in the centre of the armpit. Place your arm against your body. Take the reading while gently removing the device from the armpit. Before storing the thermometer, clean it with cool water and soap, and then rinse it.

Taking an Ear Temperature

Using a clean towel, wipe down the ear probe. Attach a disposable ear probe cover on the probe. Switch on the thermometer. Pull one of your earlobes upward and back. Gently press the tip against the eardrum. To display the temperature reading, press the button. Gently remove and discard the used probe cover.

Types of thermometers

Choosing the ideal thermometer for you might be difficult. Here's everything you need to know about the most commonly used thermometers.

  • Digital Thermometer
    These thermometers are used to measure temperature using an electrical circuit. The data collected is transferred to a microchip, which processes it and displays it numerically on the digital screen. They are simple to operate, affordable, and precise. Digital thermometers are sophisticated thermometers that are used to measure body temperature.
  • Contact thermometers
    Most electronic contact thermometers can take temperature readings from the forehead, mouth, armpit, or rectum in under a minute.
    A newborn, infant, kid, or adult should use an electronic contact thermometer.
    It has a sort of sensor that is used for measuring.
  • Remote thermometers
    People can be kept apart by using a remote thermometer that does not require skin contact. Remote thermometers can be placed on the forehead (temporal artery) or the ear (tympanic).
    Infrared thermometers are mostly used to measure the temperature of a person from a distance. The device is useful when it is difficult to reach the object to record the temperature.
  • Temporal artery thermometers
    Remote forehead thermometers monitor the temperature of the temporal artery in the forehead using an infrared scanner.
    A remote temporal artery thermometer can immediately record a person's temperature and is well tolerated.
    Children of all ages can use remote temporal artery thermometers.
    It measures the heat energy emitted by your body using infrared technology.
  • Tympanic thermometers
    Remote ear thermometers, also known as tympanic thermometers, measure the temperature inside the ear canal using an infrared ray.
    Infrared ear thermometers are rapid and generally comfortable for children and adults when correctly positioned.
    Infants over the age of six months, older children, and adults can use infrared ear thermometers.
  • Mercury thermometers
    Mercury thermometers, which were once common in most medicine cabinets, employ mercury wrapped in glass to monitor body temperature. Mercury thermometers are no longer advised because they might break, allowing dangerous mercury to leak.
    If you have a mercury thermometer, do not dispose of it. Check with your local garbage collection service to discover whether a hazardous waste collection facility is available in your region.
  • Clinical Thermometer
    Clinical thermometers are intended for use in the medical field. It was created to measure the temperature of the human body. It is a long, narrow glass tube with a mercury bulb at the end. The usual human body temperature is 37 degrees Celsius, however it can vary between 35 and 42 degrees Celsius. As a result, clinical thermometers have a temperature range of 35 to 42 degrees Celsius. The level of mercury indicates our body temperature in degrees Celsius. Because mercury is a dangerous substance, traditional thermometers have been replaced by digital thermometers in recent years.
  • Infrared Ear Thermometer
    Tympanic membrane temperature is the temperature of the inside of the ear used to check the body temperature. Because it is quick, this approach is commonly used when taking children's temperatures. The temperature is captured by an infrared thermometer in the form of infrared energy emitted by the heat source. Adults have a typical ear temperature of 37.5°C.
  • How to Clean a Digital Thermometer?

    To clean a thermometer, you'll need rubbing alcohol with at least 60% alcohol, which is most effective at eliminating germs. Then, before and after usage, clean and sterilize a digital thermometer as follows:

    • Soak a cotton ball or pad in rubbing alcohol and thoroughly coat the entire device with it. To clean within any small gaps, use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
    • Allow the alcohol to air-dry on the thermometer to eliminate germs effectively.
    • If preferred, rinse the device under cool water to eliminate any remaining traces of alcohol, being careful not to wet any electronic components, such as the display.
    • Allow the thermometer to thoroughly dry before using or storing it.

    You can also wash the thermometer with soap and water, but be careful not to submerge the electronic components, as this could damage the instrument. You should also avoid cleaning a thermometer with hot water, since this could harm the sensor that reads the temperature.

    How to Clean an Infrared or Forehead Thermometer?

    Although many are designed to be used without coming into contact with skin, the device should be cleaned before and after use in case of contact. For cleaning recommendations specific to your model, consult the manufacturer's instructions. To clean your forehead thermometer, follow these simple steps:

    • Use a cotton ball or pad soaked in at least 60% rubbing alcohol to clean the thermometer's sensor. A bleach wipe or an alcohol pad can also be used.
    • Allow the thermometer to thoroughly dry before using or storing it.

    5 Best Thermometer in India

    Non Contact Infrared Thermometer With 1 Year Warranty – Naulakha

    The Naulakha Infrared Non Contact Thermometer is high-quality thermal scanning equipment with best-in-class accuracy and a one-year warranty from Naulakha Industries.
    Ideal for scanning at stores, restaurants, offices, RWA entry points, hospitals, and clinics, and others.

    Key Specifications

    • Power Source: 2 AAA Battery
    • LCD Display
    • Features: Fast reading, forehead measurement, no probe covers required, 15 readings Memory
    • Auto Shut OFF. Accurate Readings
    • Low Battery Indicator
    • Quick Results
    • Because it does not touch the body, it is a hygienic thermometer that may be used by adults, children, and others.

    Infrared Non Contact Thermometer with 1 year warranty

    The Non-Contact IR Thermometer uses infrared technology to function without making contact with the user. This thermometer provides results in seconds while being used a few centimetres away from the person's body.

    This thermometer is useful for detecting fever, which is a common symptom of COVID-19. The device is simple to operate and displays temperature rapidly. Simply point the device at the forehead from a distance of 5 cm (2 in) and read the temperature shown on the LCD screen.

    Key Features :

    • Keeps germs away – Because the Generic Non-Touch IR Thermometer does not come into direct contact with the person's body, it reduces the possibility of infectious contamination.
    • Fascinating mechanics – The thermometer uses infrared technology, which ensures accurate readings (+/-0.2 degree Celsius).
    • Eye aid: This device has an LED backlight display that provides the user with excellent clarity.
    • Fast detection: It can detect body temperature in under 2 seconds.
    • Simple operation; It includes an auto-on/off mode and shuts off automatically when not in use.
    • Pocket-friendly: The device's precise gun-style shape makes it effortlessly portable.

    Omron Digital Tip Thermometer MC 246

    The Omron Digital Tip Thermometer is a sleek, easy-to-carry alternative to traditional thermometers, with several additional benefits. The thermometer records with 0.1 degree increments only between the typical range of 32 degrees-42 degrees. The temperature is a three-digit value following the decimal that gives the temperature in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit. It can be taken orally, rectally, or under the arm.

    Key Features:

    • High accuracy: It varies by 0.1 degrees Celsius and 0.2 degrees Fahrenheit, with a usual range of 89.6-107.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • AUTO-OFF FUNCTION: It turns off automatically after 30 minutes of use or 3 minutes of inactivity.
    • MEASUREMENT PROCEDURE: It can accurately record the temperature, which is followed by a beep. In addition to memory recall, the last reading taken is required for record keeping.

    Beurer FT 85 Clinical Non Contact Thermometer

    The Beurer FT 85 is a contactless infrared clinical thermometer that can be used to measure any individual's body temperature without making direct skin contact. The thermometer may also be used to precisely and accurately detect the temperature of items and your surroundings.

    Key Benefits:

    • Hygienic and safe measurement without skin contact
    • Measurement in seconds, infrared measurement
    • Body, ambient, and surface temperature measurement
    • When the measurement is finished, an optical acoustic signal is produced.
    • Temperature alarm: from 38 degrees Celsius, sound control (on/off).