Thermometers have come a long way in a relatively short period of time. Gone are the little glass sticks with mercury in them. Since then, digital thermometers have become commonplace not only for personal use but in a litany of other applications.
The typical thermometer is made up of a pair of components known as the sensor and the numerical reading. Accuracy is important in any setting, which is why these four personal-use thermometers are the ones to turn to.
Clinical Thermometers
When looking for a thermometer from RS, there are no topping clinical thermometers, otherwise known as medical thermometers. The great thing about thermometers is that they can be used in just about any industry, whether it be food and drink, industrial, etc. When it comes to checking body temperature, there is none better than clinical thermometers.
These have evolved a bit from the traditional clinical thermometer but are quite simple to use. Even better, there are a variety of different clinical thermometer types, making them versatile and best used in specific situations. When providing health care of any kind, getting an accurate reading can be a major difference maker.
Digital Thermometers
When it comes to reading human body temperatures, heat sensors are probably the most common form of digital thermometer out there right now. These digital thermometers have a display screen to show temperatures and an electronic circuit to provide pretty accurate readings. These can be used in any number of ways, most commonly under the tongue.
These are more advanced than traditional thermometers and can provide far better accuracy when used the right way. Even better, this type of thermometer is affordable, readily available, and very simple to use. You will likely find one of these in just about every home, especially those with young children.
Electronic Ear Thermometer
Not everyone is crazy about the idea of putting a digital thermometer under their tongue or armpit. The alternative is an electronic ear thermometer. These use infrared technology in order to determine body temperature from the inside of the ear canal. These are also known as tympanic thermometers since they use the tympanic membrane in the ear in order to measure temperature.
For children, in particular, this is a great thermometer. They are a bit more expensive to start. There is also the chance that too much ear wax or improper positioning can provide a less than accurate reading. That said, the infrared energy captures body temperature quite quickly, making it one of the fastest readers you will find.
Forehead Thermometer
These look like a little speed gun and often have a variety of settings to choose from. These are very similar to forehead thermometers in that they use infrared technology in order to provide body temperature readings. These infrared sensors measure the superficial temporal artery, which is a sub-branch of the carotid artery. These are probably the most modern and highly available digital thermometers out there now. They are super easy to use with just a squeeze of the trigger, providing an accurate reading in just a second.
The only downside is that forehead thermometers aren’t quite as accurate as other digital thermometers. Temperature readings using forehead thermometers are generally 1 degree Fahrenheit lower than any of the other digital thermometers. For personal use, that difference isn’t a big one and can be worked around.
There are also more niche thermometers that serve specific demographics. For starters, the pacifier thermometer can be used for newborns who are at least three months old. Pacifiers provide a calming element, making it easier to get a reading.
