What is a thermometer?

A thermometer is a type of instrument that you can use to measure your body temperature. You may have seen this device in hospitals where nurses and doctors use it to measure the body temperature of patients. Apart from this, they are also used to measure the temperature of food, water and air. Mercury or clinical thermometers are specifically designed to measure the temperature of the human body. Read on to learn more.

In this article, we will focus on three types of thermometers: mercury, digital, and infrared. We will go into the details of each type of unit to help you learn more about them. This will make it easy for you to choose a unit that can meet your temperature measurement needs. Just make sure you know what you need.

Mercury thermometer

First, you need to shake the unit, which will move the mercury inside the tube. Next, you need to place the marked part of the device under your tongue for about two minutes. Do not open your mouth during this time or the reading may be inaccurate.

Another way is to place the meter in the armpit. For this method, you have to wait a little longer, which should be at least 3 minutes.

Digital thermometer

This device has a heat sensor known as a thermistor. What distinguishes it from the mercury type is that it offers more versatility. Plus, it can give you an accurate reading in less than a minute.

This unit is more complex compared to the traditional type. These devices have a semiconductor element to measure temperature. The microprocessor inside these thermometers can give a reading in less than 30 seconds. This unit gets the required power from a small battery. The internal microprocessor turns off when it is kept on for a long period of time.

Infrared thermometer

These units use infrared light to measure temperature. You do not need to touch your body with this device to get a reading. One big downside to the meter is that they can only measure the temperature on the surface of something. The advantage is that they can instantly give an accurate reading.

Common features

• Allows rapid detection of body / surface temperature

• Allows quick viewing of results on the LCD screen.

• The response of the device is quite fast.

• Can be used to measure temperatures between 89.6F and 108.5F

• It can help to measure the surface temperature without touching the surface.

• Alarms can be set to notify when temperatures exceed programmed limit

• The optimal distance between which the unit can measure temperatures is 1.9 to 5.9 inches

• The unit is strong enough to withstand drops.

• No need to obtain replacement supplies.

• It prevents the spread of infection from one person to another.

Food to go

So this was a description of different types of thermometers. Based on the advantages and disadvantages of each device, you can easily choose. Each unit has its pros and cons. The selection depends on your needs and preferences.