Pros And Cons Of Different Types Of Thermometer

By Author: medguard
Total Articles: 161
Comment this article

There are several situations in various fields where a temperature measurement is necessary. Thus, there is a wide variety of thermometers in the market to meet every industry's need. It is crucial to choose a suitable thermometer for your needs to ensure efficiency and accuracy. There are two main uses of thermometers: industrial and medical. Let us have a look into the types of thermometers, their pros and cons, and other considerable factors to check before you buy one.
Medical Thermometers
As we all know, a fever is a common leading symptom of many types of serious illnesses. Thus, it is important to keep a check on your body's temperature to know if it reflects any symptoms of any disease. Here are some medical thermometers to use in different conditions:
1. Digital Thermometers
Regular digital thermometers are one of the most common types of thermometers. It can take temperatures through the mouth, rectum, or armpit. All thermometers have an individual list of pros and cons.
Pros

Most accurate readings of all medical thermometers
...
... Takes temperature quickly

Cons

Food, drink, and exercise can affect the reading

2. Ear Thermometers
Doctors insert ear thermometers into the ear and use an infrared ray to measure the temperature from inside the ear canal.
Pros

Easy to take the temperature
Quick measurements

Cons

Readings are not always as accurate as regular digital thermometers
Earwax can interfere with the readings

Industrial Thermometers
From food to agriculture, there are various jobs that require frequent temperature readings. Some thermometers can provide you with internal temperature measurement, while others can get a surface measurement only. Before you buy an industrial thermometer, you must consider the setting in which you are measuring. Also, ensure your thermometer is the best fit to get the right measurement.
1. Digital Probe Thermometers
These are useful as a probe that can insert directly into the object that one needs to measure. These thermometers are ideal when you need to know the internal temperature of something like an air duct.
Pros

Small size makes the process of carrying it easy
Measures internal temperature
Accurate readings

Cons

Requires direct contact with objects or items that may be fragile, dangerous, or out of reach. For example:- computer circuitry, molten metal, etc.

2. General-Purpose Infrared Thermometer
They can measure those objects that one cannot measure using direct contact. They are gun-shaped and take measurements by using lasers to point precisely at the surface.
Pros

Can measure a wide range of temperatures
Take quick measurements
No-contact option is safer

Cons

Cannot take internal measurements
Not as accurate as contact measurements
Does not measure all surfaces equally (for example - shiny metals are harder for it to measure)

Can One Use a General-Purpose Infrared Thermometer to Check Body Temperature?
The forehead surface does not exactly match the internal body's temperature. Infrared thermometers (temporal artery thermometers) work to match the forehead surface temperature to that of the internal body temperature. So, if one uses a regular thermometer to measure their forehead, then chances are that they will get a temperature lower than their actual body temperature.
3. K-type Thermometers
These thermometers use thermocouples as their heat sensors. A basic thermocouple requires two wires welded together in its making. A thermometer is named on its K-type thermocouple, which falls under the most common type of thermocouple.
Pros

Measures a variety of temperatures
Good resistance against oxidation

Cons

Susceptible to corrosion
Less accurate than other types

The following are other factors to consider
Here are some common and important factors that one should consider before buying any type of thermometer:
1. Weatherproof
If you are dealing with extreme temperatures, then you should get a thermometer that can withstand adverse weather conditions. Make sure it does not affect the reading accuracy.
2. Measurement Range
You should know the range of temperatures that you want to measure with temperatures while choosing one. As different thermometers have high or low-temperature limits. Make sure you get the one that fulfills your measurement range requirements. Choose the one that has an alarm so that you can know when you are going over-limit.
3. Battery Life
If you want to use your thermometer regularly, make sure you choose one that has long battery life. Some thermometers also have auto shut off to save battery.
Conclusion
Now that you are aware about the types, uses, pros, and cons of a thermometer, you can wisely choose the thermometer that suits your purpose. Do not forget to consult a doctor before using any medical thermometer. Also, make sure you are following the proper steps while measuring the temperature through the thermometer. Before using any thermometer, check if it is properly sterilized.

Paul Clifford is the Owner & CEO of Medguard. He aims to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure of the country by supplying medical devices and consumable products of top-notch quality.