Clinical thermometers come in different models with varying features and prices. Parents should avoid glass thermometers with mercury as they can be dangerous for children. Digital thermometers are popular for their accuracy and ease of use, but require batteries and plastic covers for sanitation. In-ear or non-contact thermometers are more expensive but offer faster and easier temperature readings. Many models also allow users to save a log of recent readings.
A clinical thermometer is a device designed to measure human body temperature and determine when a person is running a dangerously high fever or suffering from hypothermia. There are several different models of clinical thermometers available to consumers, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Consumers should look for a thermometer within their price range that they can use safely and effectively. Less expensive models usually take longer to get a reading and have fewer features than more expensive alternatives.
Parents with young children should avoid older glass thermometers that contain mercury. While these may be inexpensive, this type of clinical thermometer can shatter easily when dropped and expose children to toxic mercury. Small children can also bite the thermometer, causing it to break inside the mouth. These thermometers can take a relatively long time to properly register body temperature, which can be a problem with fussy kids trying to remove the device. Newer models may contain a non-toxic alternative to mercury and may be safer for home use.
Forehead thermometers are another type of clinical thermometer that is relatively inexpensive. The thermometer strip is placed on the patient’s forehead and different colors light up on the strip to indicate the current temperature. While they work much faster than traditional oral thermometers, they are generally less accurate at pinpointing a patient’s exact temperature. The light weight and ease of use of strip thermometers make them convenient for travel or placement in a small first aid kit.
Digital thermometers are an increasingly popular alternative to traditional models and offer a number of benefits. Electronic oral thermometers can be used in the same way as older devices and can provide an accurate measurement much faster than a mercury thermometer. They are also easier to read for many users due to their digital displays. These models contain batteries that need to be changed from time to time, adding to their overall cost. Digital oral thermometers are generally more difficult to sanitize, and manufacturers usually advise consumers to purchase plastic covers to keep germs away from the device.
Other types of digital thermometers allow for in-ear or non-contact temperature measurements. While this type of clinical thermometer is much more expensive, it is easier to use on sick and fussy babies than many devices. The temperature reading may only take about a second to complete with some models. Non-contact thermometers can also be used to determine the temperature of a bottle or bath for an infant. Many electronic clinical thermometer models allow users to save a log of recent readings, so they can know if a patient’s temperature has been rising or falling over time.
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