Digital Thermometers

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Personal Digital Thermometers

Personal digital thermometers are an absolute necessity in the home medical appliance toolkit and there are varying types of contact and non-contact styles to choose from. Depending on the ages of your household, this article will help you decide which style of thermometer to buy.

A reliable medical thermometer at home will accurately determine whether someone has a high fever and will give credible information about what next steps to take for their care.

It’s important to understand how your thermometer works and not every type of thermometer works the same way and depending which style you use there can be slight variations in temperature readings.

Different types of digital thermometers for home use

As a starting point, always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Accurate results are hard to obtain when used incorrectly.

Always use a thermometer that is meant for humans, Never use thermometers manufactured for other purposes such as a laboratory or meat cooking thermometer. These aren’t calibrated to measure accurate readings on people.

Digital thermometers work by using heat sensors that determine the body’s temperature.

They are used to take temperature readings in the mouth, rectum, or armpit.

Armpit readings, (axillary) will run about ½ to 1°F (0.6°C) cooler than oral readings. Rectal readings will run ½ to 1°F (0.6°C) warmer than oral readings.

Pros

Digital thermometers can give accurate readings in about 1 minute or less.

Cons

To get the best accurate reading from oral use, the tip of the thermometer must be placed under the tongue with the mouth closed. Medical professionals recommend rectal readings to be the most accurate for infants and small children. Also:

Oral readings may not be accurate if they are taken too close to eating and/or drinking, as the results may be affected by the food or drink’s temperature. Wait at least 15 minutes.
Rectal readings may be uncomfortable for infants and small children.
Always use two thermometers, one for rectal and one for oral readings, each one should be labelled and washed separately. Batteries in thermometers should be replaced periodically. Keep a spare battery for your thermometer and know how to change them.

Oral thermometer

Typical oral temperature readings can run from 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C) with the average being 98.6°F (37°C). Some people run naturally cool, and others are slightly warmer.

Pros

Digital oral thermometers are most suited for use in children over 3 to adults.

Cons

When using a digital oral device the mouth must be kept closed to acquire an accurate reading so small children or people with nasal breathing issues may have trouble keeping their mouths closed long enough for an accurate reading to register.

Digital ear (tympanic) thermometer

Tympanic thermometers are able to measure the temperature inside the ear canal through infrared ray technology.

Tympanic readings can be 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) higher than oral temperature readings.

Pros

Tympanic thermometers provide fast and accurate readings and may be preferable to oral or rectal thermometers, especially in children.

Cons

Tympanic thermometers are not recommended for infants under 6 months old.
They are sensitive to not being positioned properly in order to get accurate results.
Earwax build-up may affect the results.
They may not fit properly in a small or curved ear canal.

Forehead (non-contact) digital thermometer

Forehead thermometers use infrared sensors to measure the temperature of the superficial temporal artery and are also called temporal thermometers.

Temporal thermometers are used in public areas such as event arenas, airports, and stores.

Forehead temperature readings can measure around 1°F (0.6°C) cooler than oral temperature readings.

Pros

Temporal thermometers can give accurate readings within a few seconds.
They are easy to use on infants, children, and adults.
There is research that shows that temporal thermometers may be as accurate as rectal thermometers in children, therefore, making the temperature taking process a more comfortable experience for children.

Cons

Forehead thermometers must be held accurately according to the manufacturer’s instructions to provide the right reading.
Readings can be affected by drafts, wind, indoor heating, and direct sunlight.
Hats or heavy coats can affect the results.

Phone App-based thermometers

Phone apps thermometers rely on a digital thermometer device that links back to the app via your phone’s Bluetooth connection.

Pros

Temperatures can be taken orally, rectally, or under the arm.
They give readings within 10 seconds.
Based on the results some apps are able to give suggestions for medical next steps.
Most apps are able to keep a log or timeline of multiple temperatures from different people.

Cons

App based thermometers may not be as reliable.
Some manufacturers are more reliable than others.
App-based thermometers with Bluetooth connectivity may be more expensive than simple digital thermometers.

Pacifier thermometer

This is a digital thermometer that is incorporated into the pacifier. For babies and infants that use pacifiers, this is an easy way to record their temperature.

Pros

Ease of use and comfort for the baby.

Cons

Pacifier thermometers must remain in the mouth, for 6 minutes. They provide an approximation of temperature rather than an exact reading.

How to take an oral temperature

To take temperature orally with a digital thermometer:

Wash your hands.
Make sure your thermometer is clean and has working batteries.
Turn the thermometer on. Slip the plastic sheath over the bottom tip of the thermometer.
The thermometer will indicate that it’s ready to be used with a sound, light, or both.
Place the thermometer’s tip underneath the tongue. Keep the mouth closed until you hear a beep or similar type of sound.
Remove the thermometer and read it.
Rewash your hands.
Clean the thermometer between uses according to the manufacturer’s directions, even if only one person is using it.

How to take a rectal temperature

To measure temperature rectally with a digital thermometer:

Wash your hands and make sure your thermometer is clean and has working batteries.
Cover the tip of the thermometer with plastic sheath (usually provided) and apply lubricant, such as petroleum jelly or a water-based lubricant such as K-Y jelly.
Babies can be placed on their backs, with their legs in the air. Children and adults may be more comfortable lying on their stomachs.
Switch on the thermometer on then keep the thermometer straight and gently insert the tip of the thermometer into the rectum, not more than 1 inch.
Hold it in place so it doesn’t slip out and wait for the beep.
Then emove the thermometer and read it.
Make sure you clean the thermometer thoroughly according to the manufacturer’s directions and rewash your hands.

If your child is unsettled or squirming, making it hard to get an accurate reading, remove the thermometer and use a different thermometer to take an oral, armpit, or forehead reading.

How to take a temporal temperature with a no-touch forehead thermometer

Make sure you take the protective cap off the monitor before use.

Switch on the thermometer with the power button. The device will cycle through it’s startup procedure.
When it’s ready, place it no more than 2 inches away from the centre of the forehead. Some models are able touch the forehead. The most accurate readings are made if the forehead is clean and clear of hair.
Some thermometers have a guiding light that makes it easier to position.
Hold the thermometer steady. Both thermometer and forehead must not move in order to get the most accurate reading.
Press the temperature button, the device will then beep and/or flash to let you know the temperature is ready to be read.

Instructions and user manuals for forehead thermometers can vary by manufacturer, so make sure to read and retain all information that comes with your device.

In Summary

Digital thermometers are a very convenient option for measuring temperature. They can be used orally, rectally, or under the armpit. The contactless forehead thermometers are also popular, especially in social settings.