7 Types of Thermometers Along with Characteristics and Usage Methods That Need to Be Known

Kapanlagi.com - Generally, thermometers are used to measure the body temperature of someone who is sick or to measure temperature changes. The working principle of thermometers varies according to their uses. In addition, knowing body temperature is also a way of anticipation, whether further treatment is needed during fever or not. Moreover, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, this tool becomes one of the most important items that every institution and office must have for body temperature checks.

The function of a thermometer as a temperature gauge is very important for various activities, including industry, scientific research, and healthcare. Although it is mostly known as a body temperature gauge. You also need to know that there are several types of thermometers used to measure body temperature. In addition, the way to use a thermometer also varies according to its function and technology. To avoid choosing the wrong one and using it, here are the types of thermometers for measuring body temperature that you need to know. Let's directly see the following review.

1. Mercury Thermometer

(credit: pixabay)

The first type of thermometer is the mercury thermometer. This type of thermometer is most commonly used when having a fever. As the name suggests, the mercury thermometer uses mercury as the filling material. Then, the mercury in the thermometer will react to changes in body temperature. When it reacts, the visible mercury in the tube will rise, but when the temperature drops, the height of the mercury does not decrease. To return the mercury to its original position, you have to repeatedly flip the thermometer.

2. Ear Thermometer

The ear thermometer, also known as the tympanic thermometer, is used to measure temperature by reading the infrared radiation emitted from the eardrum tissue. The advantage of this ear thermometer is the comfort it provides in measuring body temperature in children and infants over 6 months old. The advantages of this type of thermometer are that it can measure temperature without touching the body, provide an estimated temperature, and provide a reading in just two or three seconds.

3. Digital Thermometer

(credit: pixabay)

The next type of thermometer is a digital thermometer. This thermometer is often known as a tympanic thermometer. Digital thermometers are available with a digital display that makes temperature reading easier and can be used quickly. Usually, this type of thermometer can be used in the mouth or under the armpit. In addition, this type of thermometer is safer to use for all age groups.

The characteristic of using a digital thermometer is with a 'beep' sound that indicates that you can pull out the thermometer. This digital temperature measuring device generally shows results quickly and accurately. In this digital body temperature measuring device, there is a sensor at the end of the device. This sensor works to read your body temperature when it touches your body for a few seconds.

4. Baby Pacifier Thermometer

Do you know about the baby pacifier thermometer? It is called a baby pacifier thermometer because it has a shape similar to a pacifier or a dummy. As the name suggests, this thermometer is used for toddlers. The way to use this pacifier is to insert it into the baby's mouth for a few moments and the body temperature will appear on the screen. However, the use of this type of thermometer often makes the little one difficult to stay still, which can result in inaccurate temperature readings.

5. Forehead or Temple Thermometer

(credit: pixabay)

Currently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, you certainly often encounter forehead or temple thermometers. This digital device is used to measure body temperature using infrared rays. This thermometer has the advantage of measuring temperature without contact. The way it works is by positioning your forehead or temple to the infrared sensor. The infrared rays will then read the heat emitted from your head. You can read your body temperature in just a few seconds, and the results will be displayed on the forehead thermometer screen.

6. Basal Thermometer

Next, another type of thermometer that you need to know is the basal thermometer. This type of thermometer is used to measure small changes in temperature in women to determine whether ovulation (the release of an egg for fertilization by sperm) has occurred. When fertilization occurs, women will experience an increase in temperature, which will not return to normal until menstruation begins. It is known that this type of thermometer is quite sensitive and used to monitor temperature changes.

7. Alcohol Thermometer

(credit: pixabay)

The type of alcohol thermometer is similar to the mercury thermometer, which is used to measure body temperature. However, unlike the mercury thermometer, the alcohol liquid thermometer is safer and slower in the evaporation process. This alcohol thermometer uses alcohol as the temperature indicator. In addition, alcohol is said to be more sensitive to changes in body temperature compared to mercury.

Those are the various types of thermometers along with their characteristics and how to use them. With this information, you don't need to be confused anymore. Hopefully, it will be useful.

(kpl/dtm)