It is necessary to have a reliable medical thermometer at home. It can prove to be incredibly helpful at times. The thermometer is used to determine if a person has a fever and provides the much-needed information about the following steps to take care of. 

Thermometers can be both contact and contact-free types. It depends on your personal preference which type of thermometer you want to buy. Everyone needs to know how to use the thermometer. 

There are various such situations where thermometers are used, and there are multiple thermometers available in the market. It is vital to make sure that you choose the right kind of thermometer as per your needs to ensure accuracy and efficiency. 

Different Types of Thermometer With Their Pros And Cons

Irrespective of the type of thermometer you use, it is essential to read the instructions clearly before using it. Inappropriate use of the thermometer cannot provide you correct results. It is also necessary to make sure that you don’t use those thermometers on individuals meant for other purposes such as laboratory use, etc. 

There are different types of thermometers, and they have their pros and cons. Some of them are as follows:

Digital Thermometer

A Digital thermometer is generally used to verify an intelligent temperature transmitter under various conditions. It works by using heat sensors that are used to determine body temperature. Sciencedirect.com states that Portable electronic thermometers are designed to measure body temperature in an RTD type thermowell using a thermistor or an RTD probe.  

A digital thermometer can be used to take the temperature in the armpit, mouth, or rectum. At the time of bearing temperature, it’s essential to keep in mind that the armpit temperature runs about ½ to 1 degree Fahrenheit cooler than that of oral readings. 

• Pros– Digital Thermometers are capable of providing accurate readings in a minute or less. 
• Cons– If you want to get an accurate reading for using orally, it’s required to place the device’s tip under the tongue with the mouth completely closed. 

Oral readings with this device won’t also be accurate if they are taken close to eating or drinking. 

The rectal readings may not be comfortable to take from small children or infants. Also, batteries in the digital thermometer have to be replaced periodically. 

Oral Thermometers

Oral temperature readings can be taken either by digital or with mercury thermometers. The average temperature reading here is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Some people’s bodies are naturally cool, whereas others have slightly warmer bodies. 

• Pros– Taking of oral temperatures is most accurate in children over three years and also in adults. 
• Cons– Small children, infants, and people with breathing problems may not be able to keep their mouths closed for a long time to get an accurate reading. 

Digital Ear Thermometer

It is also known as a tympanic thermometer. It measures the temperature of the canal of the ear by the use of infrared technology. As mentioned by healthline.com, the temperature readings with these thermometers are generally 0.3 degrees Celsius higher than that of oral temperature readings. 

• Pros- It provides readings fastly and more accurately than any other thermometer. It is more preferable for children than the oral thermometers. 
• Cons- Due to the small size of the ear canal, it is not recommended for infants with an age less than six months. 

It may not fit properly in the small and curved canal of the ear. 

Forehead Thermometer

This type of thermometer uses infrared sensors to measure the temperature of the superficial temporal artery. It is one of the branches of the carotid artery. They are also known as non-contact infrared thermometers. The readings of the forehead thermometer run between 0.6 degrees celsius. 

• Pros- Forehead thermometers provides quick readings just in several seconds. It is easily administered and can be used for both children and adults. 
• Cons- Forehead thermometers must be positioned accurately and as per the instruction provided by the manufacturer. The readings of forehead thermometers are usually affected by wind, direct sunlight, indoor heating, etc. 

Mercury Thermometer

Mercury thermometers were the only available thermometer a few years ago. But due to various security concerns, they are no longer widely available. 

• Pros- Mercury thermometers are used to provide exact readings of body temperature. It can be used both orally and under the arm. It doesn’t require any batteries to be operated. 
• Cons- Mercury thermometers are made up of glass so that they may break easily. It may cause a cut if the glass of the thermometer breaks down. Disposing of the mercury thermometers must be done correctly. I cannot be disposed of somewhere or the other. The readings are hard to read and must stay in the same place for 3 minutes.