You want to avoid relying on guesswork when someone is sick. Thus, having a reliable digital thermometer at home might be quite helpful. Knowing for sure whether someone has a fever provides you with information about what to do for their treatment. There are many varieties of digital thermometers available. It depends on your preference and the age group of people living in your household. Here, we will discuss the types, applications, and use of thermometers.


What is meant by a Digital Thermometer?

A digital thermometer is a device used to measure temperature. It uses sensors to manage the body temperature associated with heat. It can measure the temperature of your armpit, rectus, or mouth.


How do digital thermometers function?

Digital thermometers are replacing traditional mercury thermometers. There is a false impression that it contains mercury. But mercury isn't present in digital thermometers. These thermometers' internal thermistor is used to measure temperature. The thermo resistor is electrically charged, and its resistance—the degree to which the current may flow through it varies with temperature. By detecting the resistance, a small computer or other circuit may determine the temperature.


Usage Of Digital Thermometers

Digital thermometers are used in clinical settings and at home to record temperature.


Features A Digital Thermometer Should Have

The characteristics that follow should be carefully considered when purchasing a digital thermometer.

  • A larger readout display.
  • Another important factor to consider is how quickly a thermometer can measure a temperature. 
  • An illuminated display might help take a temperature at night.


Various Types Of Digital Thermometer


Digital oral thermometer


You can take your mouth temperature with the help of a digital thermometer. The normal reading for an oral temperature is 98.6°F. It is accepted that oral temperatures can be between 97°F and 99°F.

The temperature of some people seems more laid-back than others. So, if you are sick, knowing your usual temperature will let you know if you have a fever or not.


Tympanic (or digital) ear thermometer

Tympanic thermometers measure the temperature of the ear canal by infrared technology. Oral temperatures generally fall within 0.5°F to 1°F of a tympanic reading.


Temporal digital forehead thermometer

A forehead thermometer measures the temperature of the superficial temporal artery, using infrared sensors. Some are known as non-contact infrared thermometers. Because of COVID-19, forehead thermometers are being increasingly utilized in locations such as stadiums. These thermometers do not require personal contact. Oral temperatures are generally 0.6°C higher than forehead temperatures.


How can a digital thermometer be used to measure fever?

To take the temperature, follow the following steps:

  • Your hands should be well washed.
  • Check the thermometer to ensure that it is clean.
  • Turn the thermometer on and slip on a plastic sheath over the end tip.
  • The thermometer will indicate with a sound and light when it is ready to use.
  • Once the thermometer tip is under your tongue and you hear a beeping sound, keep your mouth shut.
  • Take out the thermometer and see what it reads.
  • Wash your hands again after using the thermometer.


How should a rectal temperature be taken?

How does one take a rectal temperature using a digital thermometer? See below for instructions:

  • Wash your hands. The thermometer is cleaned, and the batteries should be good.
  • Massage petroleum jelly over the thermometer tip. Then, slip plastic wrap over it.
  • Infants must be placed on their backs with elevated legs.
  • Do not activate the thermometer until it beeps to indicate that it is ready.
  • Maintain the thermometer's straightness and gently push its tip into the rectum, no more than one inch.
  • To stop it from sliding, hold it firmly in place.
  • Keep an ear out for any beeps or other audio cues. Take out the thermometer and read it.
  • As directed by the manufacturer, clean the thermometer before storing or using it once more.
    Hands-wash once more.


How is the temporal temperature measured?

How should I operate a digital temporal thermometer? You ought to:

  • Before using it, take off the cap.
  • To turn the device on, press the power button. It is on if it illuminates and loads a startup sequence.
  • Once the thermometer is ready, position it no more than two inches from the middle of the forehead. Certain versions allow you to touch the forehead as well.
  • At all times, keep the thermometer steady.
  • Both the forehead and the thermometer must remain perfectly still to get an accurate reading.
  • There's a temperature button to push.
  • Your device will then flash or beep to indicate that the reading is ready. This will only take a few seconds.


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Benefits and Drawbacks of Digital Thermometer

We will now delve into some of the advantages and disadvantages associated with digital thermometers.


Oral digital thermometers: Advantages and Disadvantages


Benefits

  • They provide fast, very accurate results over the whole body temperature range.
  • These thermometers are easy to see because of their LCD screens.
  • They have a memory function, a beeping alert, and the ability to record a broad range of temperatures.


Drawbacks:

  • When using the device orally, the tip should be held under the tongue while the mouth is closed to get an accurate reading.
  • The findings may be impacted by the temperature of the meal or beverage if oral measurements are taken too soon after consumption.
  • Infants and early children may find it difficult to manage rectal reading.


Advantages and Disadvantages of a Digital Ear Thermometer


Benefits
Tympanic thermometers are quicker and more accurate than oral or rectal ones, and thus they may be favored.


Drawbacks:

  • Neonates below six months must not use tympanic thermometers because the size of their ear canals is small.
  • They need to be positioned precisely to get accurate results.
  • Inaccurate results could be caused by wax buildup in the ears.
  • They might not fit snugly in a small or twisted ear canal.


A Digital Forehead thermometer's advantages and disadvantages


Benefits

  • Results from temporal thermometers are obtained fast—in a matter of seconds.
  • Its administration is easy and thus can be utilized not only with adults and children but also with newborns.
  • A child's other definition also determines that a temporal thermometer can be much more accurate than ear or armpit thermometers.


Drawbacks:

  • Temporal thermometers must be properly placed and aligned as per the manufacturer's recommendations to provide an accurate reading.
  • Readings may be impacted by outside factors such as wind, draughts, inside heating, and direct sunlight.
  • Wearing certain clothing, including coats or headgear, can distort the results.


The cost of digital thermometers in Pakistan

In Pakistan, the cost of a digital thermometer can start at just Rs. 999 and go up to an estimated Rs. 5,656 on average.


Finally

These days, most people choose digital thermometers over antiquated mercury thermometers. They provide quick and accurate results. The temperature readings vary, though, according to the type of thermometer you're using.


Please book an appointment with the best General Physician in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.