CONTENT
- 1 The device and principle of operation of an electronic thermometer
- 2 Types of electronic thermometers
- 3 Advantages and disadvantages
- 4 How to choose the right electronic thermometer
- 5 Terms of use at the place of use
- 6 Rating of the best models of electronic thermometers
The device and principle of operation of an electronic thermometer
Almost every person in their home medicine cabinet has a mercury thermometer, which is called a thermometer. This is a device with which you can measure your body temperature.
The prevalence of this type was due to a number of factors, among the first are the ease of use and the reliability of the data obtained. At the same time, a mercury thermometer does not require power, and also has, thanks to a special device of the capillary with an active substance, a memory for the maximum measured temperature.
The main disadvantage of this type of thermometers is the presence of mercury inside - a very toxic chemical that requires certain care during operation.
The development of scientific and technological progress has led to the emergence of a qualitatively different type of measuring instruments - electronic thermometers. This device has a number of advantages over mercury analogs, the main of which is its complete safety.
The physical meaning of measuring temperature by means of an electronic device is to obtain a potential difference when this indicator changes. For this, there are temperature-sensitive resistors or transistors inside the measuring unit. The principle of operation is to establish the dependence of the resistance of the material used as a sensor on temperature fluctuations.
Most often, metal thermistors are made of silicon, which allows you to measure temperatures up to 125 ° C. This is sufficient for home and medical use. In other cases, if a wider spectrum is required, it is necessary to use other materials, for example, platinum, which can withstand greater heating.
In addition to the probe itself, covered with a metal tip, an electronic display is mounted in the device body, on which the measurement results are displayed for ease of reading.
The device is turned on and off with a special button, through which you can also reset the last values (mercury has to be shaken to zero). The electronic device is powered by 1.5 V batteries.
Types of electronic thermometers
Modern pharmacies and medical equipment stores offer several options for electronic devices at once. The choice of a specific model will depend on the age of the patient, his condition and the space available for installing the device.
Conventional classic thermometers
The very first group of devices are classic thermometers with an oblong shape. An elongated tip with a metal probe, inside which there are thermistors of a thin shape, is necessary to place it in the right place on the body where you want to fix the temperature. Further, in the thick part, there is a scoreboard and batteries, as well as an on / off button.
These devices are used to measure oral or rectal temperature, and can be used adults, but are not the most comfortable for monitoring performance in young children or babies. For them, slightly different modifications are applied.
Baby Pacifier Thermometer
For children under 3 years of age, a modernized form of a digital thermometer is used, which, in its appearance, resembles a pacifier. Since an ordinary elongated thermometer can cause discomfort, this method of measuring body temperature in childhood can cause inaccurate readings.
In appearance, this device is almost indistinguishable from the classic pacifier, but it is not intended for use in the form of a nipple on a permanent basis, since the silicone part quickly deteriorates due to prolonged sucking. The weight of this thermometer does not exceed 40 g, and it itself is made of waterproof material, which ensures complete safety during use.
TOINFORMATION!
The nipple thermometer does not have removable batteries and is made non-separable. The built-in battery should be enough for 2000 measurements, which is quite enough until the thermometer is replaced with a traditional model.
Infrared thermometers
Another group of devices for measuring temperature are infrared models, which allow you to measure the required indicator without contacting directly with the patient's body.
The principle of operation of such devices is based on capturing heat waves emitted by any living creature or heated object. The device itself resembles a small pistol, the front of which has a sensor, and on the rear panel there is a display with indicators displayed on it.
TOINFORMATION!
An important positive feature of IR thermometers is considered to be a high speed of obtaining a result, which does not exceed 1-2 s, while they can measure the temperature of a sleeping person without disturbing him.
Advantages and disadvantages
Any technically complex device has its positive and negative sides, which may be due to the design features and the principle of operation. Electronic thermometers also have pros and cons.
The advantages that make this class of devices much more convenient than the outdated mercury thermometer include:
- safety of use, since the device does not use toxic mercury, and the plastic case is difficult to break;
- ease of reading the obtained indicators displayed on the electronic board;
- the speed of obtaining the result (from 30 s);
- automatic shutdown to save battery power;
- the presence of such options as memory for storing the latest indicators, backlight, which allows you to use the device even in the dark, the presence of a double scale (Celsius-Fahrenheit);
- variety of colors and appearance.
The disadvantages of this type of measuring device are the following points:
- the need to follow the instructions for use;
- an increase in the time to achieve accurate results when taking measurements in the armpit;
- cheap models do not involve disinfection or washing;
- the need to replace batteries.
TOINFORMATION!
The last point cannot be considered a serious drawback, since one set of batteries is enough for a period of 2 to 5 years, depending on the intensity of use.
How to choose the right electronic thermometer
When choosing an electronic model, a number of important parameters should be envisaged, which must be addressed attention, in order to end up with a device that performs its functions throughout the entire time operation:
- Display. When buying, it is very important to pay attention to the size of the display and the indicators displayed on it so that they are easy to read. Also, it will not be superfluous to choose a model with backlighting. Some thermometers additionally show the battery charge level on the display, which is very convenient for monitoring the condition of the batteries.
- Tip. Most often, all models of electronic thermometers have the same structure of the tip, which is a metal probe with resistors hidden inside. Some varieties have a flexible tip that is convenient for measuring body temperature in young children who cannot sit still.
A plastic case is a way to protect the thermometer from damage - Built-in memory. In some cases, it is required to trace the dynamics of the disease with fixing the temperature for several days. It is for these purposes that it is better to purchase devices that have a memory function, which will allow you to fix the obtained indicators.
- Result output time. It is important to pay attention to the time it takes to obtain a reliable measurement result. As a rule, classic thermometers can give a reading a minute after the start of measurement. If an adult can sit quietly even longer, then in order to control the temperature of the child, it will be necessary to choose models that offer the fastest possible obtaining of the desired parameter.
- Power supplies. Please make sure your model is replaceable before purchasing. Some unscrupulous manufacturers make batteries non-removable. In this case, after the expiration of the battery, the device can simply be thrown away.
- Strength and tightness. Another important parameter is the moisture resistance of the device, which allows you to wash the thermometer or disinfect it. It is also important to look at the quality of the plastic so that the device is resistant to falling and other mechanical damage.
TOINFORMATION!
Also, rubber tips are resistant to mechanical stress, which once again makes this option preferable for young children who like to try everything on the tooth.
Terms of use at the place of use
There are several ways to control body temperature using an electronic device. Depending on the method chosen, certain rules must be followed to obtain the correct result.
Orally
A way to get the right metrics quickly. The received data can be recorded immediately after the sound notification. This happens 30-60 seconds after the start of the process. Before oral use of the thermometer, it is advised to refrain from eating and drinking.
Rectally
The method related to the most accurate, since the indicator of the obtained parameter in the rectum is as close as possible to the analogous values for the internal organs.
TOINFORMATION!
The method of measuring temperature rectally is used for rectal pathologies, disorders in the digestive tract, as well as during pregnancy planning to determine the ovulation cycle.
For the correct use of the thermometer rectally, it is necessary to follow a number of recommendations that allow, first of all, to avoid discomfort:
- The tip of the thermometer must be lubricated with petroleum jelly or oil before use.
- The correct posture for an adult will be on the side, and for a child - on the stomach.
- Before inserting the device into the rectum, it must first be turned on.
- The tip should be inserted to a depth of no more than 3 cm, holding the device itself with the index and middle fingers.
- It is recommended to squeeze the buttocks during the procedure to prevent the penetration of cold air.
In the armpit
The classic way, which takes a longer time to get the correct result. The peculiarity of this method is that the tip is firmly pressed against the body, so that the sensor fits as close to the surface of the skin as possible. Also, when measuring in the armpit, after the sound signal is given, it is recommended to hold the thermometer for at least a minute to establish the final indicator.
Rating of the best models of electronic thermometers
There are many different models of body temperature monitoring devices on the market. Among them there are inexpensive and high-quality models from unknown brands, but there are also leaders who have gained popularity due to functionality and convenience.
OMRON Eco Temp Basic (MC-246-RU)
A simple model that has a minimum of additional options, as indicated by the presence of the word "Basic" in the name. In the manufacture of the thermometer, environmentally friendly high-strength plastic is used. The measurement error does not exceed 0.1 ° C. The body of the device is not afraid of moisture, there is a memory, an automatic shutdown function. The set includes a plastic case. The cost of the model is 360 rubles.
Feedback on OMRON Eco Temp Basic
Thermometer OMRON Eco Temp Basic
B.Well WT-03
Another simple model from a well-known brand that offers the function of remembering the last result obtained. Case material - high-quality and durable plastic, resistant to moisture. The device can be used in all known ways: rectally, orally and axillary. Upon completion of the measurement, an audible signal sounds. There is an automatic shutdown option. The standard error is 0.1 ° С. The cost of the device is 179 rubles.
Feedback on B.Well WT-03
B. Well WT-03 thermometer
A&D DT-501
Model of a famous Japanese brand that produces inexpensive but very high quality medical equipment. The quality of products is checked directly at the manufacturing plant. This thermometer is rightfully the leader in its price segment. All options are available: automatic shutdown, memory of the last measurement, moisture protection. The error is 0.1 ° C. The time to establish reliable readings is 1 minute. The cost of the thermometer is 217 rubles.
Review for A&D DT-501
Thermometer A&D DT-501
Microlife MT 167
A universal model with a flexible tip that allows it to be used in various situations. The thermometer is made of durable plastic and has an automatic shutdown function. The set comes with a case. The measurement error does not exceed 0.1 ° C. The cost of the device starts at 260 rubles.
Microlife MT 167 review
Microlife MT 167 thermometer
LAICA MD6082
Thermometer model, which is distinguished by the optimal ratio of cost and workmanship. The device has the option of storing the last results, turns off after 10 minutes of non-use, gives an audible alert upon completion of the measurement. Also, as an additional option, the presence of a display backlight can be noted. The material of manufacture is durable plastic that is able to withstand moisture. The measurement error is stable at 0.1 ° C. The set includes a protective case. The cost of the product is 420 rubles.
Review on LAICA MD6082
LAICA MD6082 thermometer
The purchase of an electronic thermometer to measure temperature can be considered a justified step, since it allows get a modern device that provides accurate indicators and belongs to completely safe means diagnostics. Once again, you can learn all the subtleties of this type of device from the video presented.
