Everyone has seen the "old school" style of thermometers that consist of a small, number glass tube filled with red mercury and having a small round reservoir on one end. Because of the health risks of mercury and the general lack of precision of this style of thermometer, it has largely been phased out and replaced with digital units.
A digital thermometers use an advanced heat sensing technology combined with infrared sensors in order to gauge body temperature. They come in all shapes, sizes, precision-ratings and neat add-ons, with each model usually suited to only one or two applications, and each having its own pros and cons. This degree of variation makes it difficult for consumers to know what is the best way to take an accurate reading and which particular type of thermometer is best suited for their needs.
Ear Thermometer
Ear thermometers are becoming more and more common. I've seen them in use at schools, by pediatricians, on military training installations and by regular consumers. This type of digital thermometer is very quick and easy to use, completing accurate readings in a matter of seconds, and it's also convenient and non-invasive. As far as the precision goes, some people argue that an ear thermometer will only offer a truly accurate reading when lined up perfectly with the ear canal, which can prove challenging for average users, but generally even inexpertly applied this unit will provide a workable temperature reading.
Oral, Armpit and Rectal Thermometers
Though perhaps less convenient than ear thermometers, these kinds of thermometers will provide more consistently accurate readings. Many people advocate the rectal thermometer as being the best way to measure anyone's temperature, but it's becoming less and less common because of its awkwardness. They also consistently require longer to detect and output a temperature reading than do ear thermometers, which is another drawback for many people. Often, these kinds of digital thermometers feature a probe that is attached to the output display via a length of wire for added flexibility in placement.
Pacifier Thermometer
Obviously pacifier applications are much more limited in the range of people that they are used for. For taking a baby's temperature, however, they are undoubtedly one of the cleverest and easiest to use kinds. Pacifier thermometers look exactly like a standard baby pacifier, are completely waterproof, and are given to infants to suck on while it takes their temperature orally. This eliminates the need to struggle with unruly children or stop what you're doing in order to take your child's temperature -- you can simply press a button on the pacifier while they're using it, and it will take their temperature and generally beep or otherwise indicate when the procedure is complete. Another great thing about these thermometers is that they have built-in memory functionality so they can save past readings to be reviewed and compared at a later date.
There are many different kinds of digital thermometers available, and it is always best to thoroughly research whatever unit you're considering buying based on your needs and the experiences of other customers.
Author Resource:
CB Michaels is a seasoned generator of digital information and an expert essayist, and as of right now approaches ideas to include large outdoor thermometer and wireless indoor outdoor thermometers .
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