Nowadays, there are several types of thermometers available on the market. Before choosing one or the other, it is important to know how they are used and how they differ from each other. Let us also remember that this element is used to take body temperature.
Types of thermometers and how to use them
Ideally, temperature measurement techniques should be safe, easy to perform, non-invasive, economical and reliable. Thus, when choosing how to quantify body temperature, we will find several types of thermometers.
Mercury thermometer
It is the method of measuring body temperature par excellence, given its reliability and precision. It is made of glass and contains mercury inside, which reacts by expanding when it comes into contact with body heat. They feature a graduated scale for quantification, and can be difficult to read.
It requires touching the skin or mucosa (inside the mouth, for example) for 2 to 3 minutes; In addition, it can be used in the armpit or rectum (anal). Of these three, the rectal is the most precise, and it is also the one that can be the most uncomfortable and dangerous to manipulate.
Among its disadvantages we can name the following:
- The prolonged time it requires contact with the skin.
- Insecurity (because it is glass instruments).
- The fact that it contains mercury inside, a chemical element (heavy metal) dangerous to health given its toxicity.
Since 2005, the World Health Organization (WHO) began to recommend the use of alternative thermometers for the reasons mentioned. At this point, they should no longer be used; In many countries they have even banned its sale.
How to use
- Check the temperature of the thermometer before using it. To do this, it is observed whether the liquid is close to the lowest temperature.
- Then, place the metal tip under your armpit and hold your arm still.
- Wait 3 minutes, remove it from the armpit and check the temperature. The temperature value will be the one observed at the place where the liquid ends.
Non-contact infrared thermometry
This thermometer measures the infrared flux (heat flow) of surfaces, skin or mucous membranes without having to touch them. It is placed a short distance from them. Some are designed to be used inside the ear canal (through a probe), and others in areas such as the forehead or wrist.
In a fraction of a second, it takes a “snapshot” of the heat emanating from these surfaces. The method may be attractive to physicians and also to caregivers, especially of children, due to the ease and speed of measurement. The accuracy is quite reliable.
Broadly speaking, it is a simple, fast and reliable method, which becomes more relevant in terms of its technical simplicity and lack of invasiveness, especially in pediatrics.
How to use
- Turn on the thermometer and bring it close to the forehead, in the area above the eyebrows (one to three centimeters away).
- Read the temperature value that comes out immediately and remove the element.
- Digital thermometer with contact
- They have an electronic sensor that requires touching the body. They present the temperature recorded digitally. There are those to be used at the axillary, oral or rectal level, and others at the tympanic level (inside the ear canal). You put it on until you hear the alarm sound.
Its use is simple and fast (it takes a few seconds), as is reading. Temperature measurement is quite reliable. They are also very economical.
Digital thermometer with contact
They have an electronic sensor that requires touching the body. They present the temperature recorded digitally. There are those to be used at the axillary, oral or rectal level, and others at the tympanic level (inside the ear canal). You put it on until you hear the alarm sound.
Its use is simple and fast (it takes a few seconds), as is reading. Temperature measurement is quite reliable. They are also very economical.
The digital thermometer has become one of the most used. It is safe, effective and low cost.
How to use
- Turn on the thermometer, place its tip under your armpit and wait a few seconds until you hear the alarm.
- Remove and check the temperature value on the screen.
What thermometers are currently recommended?
Measuring body temperature is an important tool not only to reach a diagnosis, but also to monitor febrile illnesses.
The mercury thermometer has been used since its invention in 1724, until today. Given its danger and the development of alternative forms of measurement, the medical community began to recommend other forms of temperature quantification.
Thus, they are currently being replaced by other types of thermometers, such as digital and infrared with and without contact.
PRONAPRESA
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