Thermometry
The increasing importance of the thermometer in the diagnosis of patients has led to many new types of thermometer being invented to aid with the ease of taking temperatures. This is achieved by creating thermometers which concentrate on different parts of the body, with some more effective than others.
These include –
Digital thermometers - Digital thermometers are regarded as the fastest and most accurate type of thermometer. Readings are taken from under the tongue, from the rectum or under the armpit. They are easily found in local pharmacies and can be used at home or in the hospital.
Electronic ear thermometers - These use infrared technology to get their temperature reading. Electronic ear thermometers are less accurate as if there is too much wax in the ear it can give an incorrect reading. Despite being expensive, they are a lot easier to use on babies and young children, as it can be hard to get children to sit still for long enough while using digital thermometers.
Forehead thermometers - These thermometers also read heat using infrared, and are placed on the temporal artery. Forehead thermometers are also not as reliable as digital thermometers
Plastic strip thermometers - These thermometers can detect the presence of a fever in a patient, however, they do not give an exact temperature reading. They simply act as an indication that something might be wrong. To use them, you just place the strip on the forehead.
Pacifier thermometer - These thermometers are used predominantly in babies older than three months. They require the baby to be still for a couple of minutes and this can be a struggle. This means that sometimes the temperature can be inaccurate.
Glass and mercury thermometers - These thermometers are the old school way to take a temperature. You normally would place it under your tongue and watch the mercury rise. Once it stops, that would be your temperature. Unfortunately, due to the risk of mercury poisoning, this means of taking a temperature is not a good idea and you are highly recommended to consult with a healthcare body to discard any you might have.
