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Thermometers are indispensable medical tools widely used in households. With various types available, understanding their roles and usage for body temperature measurement is crucial. Let Mytour guide you through.
Understanding Thermometers:
A thermometer is a medical device used to measure body temperature and is an essential healthcare tool in households. It comprises a display section and a body temperature sensing component.
Types of Thermometers Available Today:
Choose the Right Thermometer for Your Needs
Mercury Thermometer:
Mercury thermometers have been around for a long time and are quite familiar to many. They are the most common type with high accuracy, widely used by doctors and nurses in healthcare facilities.
The temperature is measured in the armpit area with a mercury thermometer, providing fairly accurate results. Ensure the thermometer is firmly clipped in the armpit, with the tip in full contact with the skin. Before taking the measurement, dry the armpit area and shake the thermometer to bring the mercury column below 35.5 degrees Celsius. Results will be available in about 5 minutes.
Advantages:
- High accuracy.
- Reasonable price.
Drawbacks:
- Results reading time is quite long.
- Difficulties in use for infants and newborns.
- Lacks features like alerts and temperature recording.
- If accidentally broken, it can be very dangerous for humans.
Electronic Thermometer:
This is an electronic body thermometer that operates based on heat sensing at the point of contact with the thermometer's tip. Depending on the temperature measurement site - mouth, armpit, ear, or rectum - electronic thermometers are designed with various models.
The commonly used site for temperature measurement is the armpit due to its ease of use and convenience. However, the rectum provides the most accurate body temperature measurement results instead of the armpit, contrary to the common misconception. Thermometers for infants and children under 3 years old are specially designed to measure rectal temperature. After use, it must be thoroughly cleaned for the next use.
Currently, there are electronic thermometers available on the market for measuring oral temperature in infants. These thermometers are designed in the form of fake nipples to deceive the baby, preventing them from realizing and crying. However, this type of thermometer is not considered accurate and takes a long time to read.
For electronic thermometers used for older children and adults, they are usually placed under the tongue for measurement. In that case, the thermometer tip needs to be placed under the tongue and then held to measure the temperature. Note that oral temperature measurement should only be done 15 minutes after eating for accurate results. Remember not to use an oral thermometer for rectal temperature measurement and vice versa.
Advantages:
- Absolute safety is ensured.
- Temperature measurement and result reading take only about 5 – 15 seconds.
- It is a versatile thermometer that can measure body temperature as well as surface temperature and room temperature...
- The thermometer is equipped with many convenient features to help parents closely monitor their child's health situation, effectively saving time.
Drawbacks:
- The cost of electronic thermometers is quite high.
- Infrared Thermometer
- Infrared thermometers used to measure forehead and ear temperatures are very convenient, taking only 3 seconds to measure, saving you a lot of time.
Infrared Thermometer
Infrared thermometers for ear measurement are suitable for all age groups, especially children, as they are non-invasive and do not cause discomfort or crying. Avoid using infrared thermometers for newborns and results may be affected if there is earwax. When measuring temperature, simply insert the thermometer tip into the ear canal and press the button to measure and read the result in a few seconds. When measuring on the forehead, place the thermometer in the middle of the forehead and move it towards the temple to find the highest temperature. The measurement time is very short, taking only a few seconds with relatively accurate results.
Advantages:
- Easy to use.
- Save an absolute amount of time.
- Accurate results.
Drawbacks:
High product price.
