Thermometers are instruments that are used to gauge a person’s temperature whenever needed, and they display the results on a screen. A thermometer is a must-have in every home or office, whether or not you are a medical practitioner. It eases you of the stress of having to call up your doctor or visit a hospital when you experience fever and helps you to keep note of the fluctuations in your body temperature levels.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF THERMOMETETERS?
There are several different types and models of thermometers, and although they all perform the same function of measuring and displaying temperature levels, they carry it out it in different ways.
DIGITAL THERMOMETERS
These are the most convenient to use and one of the most popular types of thermometers. They gauge temperature from the armpit, beneath the tongue, or the rectum. Digital thermometers come with digital screens that display the results.
INFRARED THERMOMETER
An infrared thermometer also called a thermal gun or IR thermometer makes use of infrared rays to gauge the amount of heat released by the body. Infrareds are one of the most popular thermometers now because they are very easy and simple to use. Their main advantage is that they make no skin contact, therefore preventing the transfer of germs from one person to another, however, their results might not be so accurate and so they are not as reliable as digital thermometers.
PLASTIC STRIP THERMOMETERS
These are thermometers that can tell if a person has a fever, but they cannot give exact temperature measurements. They only serve as whistles to tell when there is an abnormality in a person’s temperature.
GLASS OR MERCURY THERMOMETERS
These are the old-fashioned thermometers that measure temperature when placed beneath your tongue. As they measure the temperature, the mercury rises and whatever point it stops at is usually taken to be your current body temperature. However, as a result of the dangers of mercury poisoning, these thermometers are not very advisable.
WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK OUT FOR WHILE SHOPPING FOR A THERMOMETER?
ACCURACY
The accuracy of the gauged temperature is the most important feature you should consider when shopping for a thermometer. Because the thermometer accuracy cannot be verified until it is used, it is important for you to go for trusted brands with high reviews from customers.
USAGE
There are thermometers made specifically to measure body temperature, while others are made to measure the temperature of objects. You should be sure to shop for the right one, depending on what you need it for.
CONVENIENCE
Using a thermometer should be a convenient and easy act, especially if it occurs a lot of times. The handle should be firm, the screen should be clear and the letters easy to read.
UNIT OF MEASUREMENT
Temperature can be measured in either Celsius or Fahrenheit. Ensure that you choose a thermometer with a measurement unit you’re familiar with or one that comes with an option to switch between both.
TIME OF RESPONSE
The amount of time between the measuring and the result display should not be too lengthy. Infrared thermometers, followed by digital thermometers, have the quickest display time.
MEMORY FEATURE
This allows you to save the results of your temperature check for a later time. It is useful because it helps you compare and decide whether your body temperature is rising or falling.
HOW TO USE AND MAINTAIN A THERMOMETER
The way you clean and disinfect your thermometer largely depends on the type of thermometer you have. If you are using a glass or mercury thermometer, you could get it cleaned up in a bowl of cool and soapy water, then you rinse well and properly shake off the water. You could make use of it while it is still wet, and then leave it to air dry later. It could also be cleaned up with a cotton bud soaked in alcohol, and then rinse off under running water.
The method used in cleaning a digital thermometer is different because immersing it in water would damage the electronics. You could either wipe the surface with alcohol while making sure to avoid the digital display, then repeat the process with cotton wool and clean water. Digital thermometers could also be wiped down with bleach wipes.
Because thermal guns are contact-free, they do not gather as much germs as the other types of thermometers, disinfecting them is not really necessary. However, they should be cleaned constantly to promote sanitary practices. To clean them, you should make use of cotton swabs, paper towels, and alcohol to wipe the surface. Ensure that you never use bleaches or ammonia-based cleaners because they affect the thermometers negatively.
PRICE RANGES OF THERMOMETERS
Getting a thermometer is not exactly a bank-account-wrecking act, as I would not classify them as one of the expensive products out there. Thermometers generally cost between $5 and $50. Further classification of prices is based on the type that you are going for. Infrared thermometers on average, cost between $20 to $35, while digital thermometers cost way less, between $5 and $20.
When shopping for a thermometer, one thing to put in mind is the quality of whichever product you’re going for over how much it costs. Go for trusted and secure brands, rather than putting in money on products of inferior value.
FAQs
Q: What is the required distance I should take from an infrared thermometer?
A: IR thermometers usually have a maximum measuring distance of thirty meters. The distance required could be less or more, depending on weather conditions.
Q: Is it dangerous to use a thermometer?
A: The use of a thermometer in itself is not dangerous at all. However, it could get dangerous when ideal health and sanitary practices are not upheld. Another dangerous thing is the usage of mercury thermometers, which are bad because of the dangers of mercury poisoning.
Q: What is the lifespan of a thermometer?
A: The lifespan of your thermometer would generally depend on the conditions under which it is used and kept. Nonetheless, under favorable conditions, a thermometer should last anywhere between three and five years.