“Thermo-” means “warm” and “meter” means something used to measure. In short, a thermometer is a device (not necessarily medically) to measure the temperature (how hot or cold something is) or temperature gradient using different principles.
How does a thermometer work?
A thermometer has a temperature sensor that is able to detect temperature change and convert the change into a value which is readable. Older types of thermometer like mercury thermometers detect temperature change with a “bulb” and display the change using a mercury scale. Newer types of thermometer like digital thermometers detect and display digitally and some allows input into the computers for monitoring and analysis.
What is the range of temperature that a thermometer can measure?
Well, traditional ones can usually measure somewhere between zero degree Celsius to 110 degree Celsius. Newer models like those digital models can much lower or higher than that. Custom-designed models are able to go as high as hundreds or even thousands of degrees.
What are the different types of thermometers?
Oral type allows the users to place the thermometer into the mouth and under the tongue to measure the temperature. A rectum type, on the other hand, allows users to insert it into their rectum so as to allow them to obtain a more accurate reading. Rectum thermometers are usually used to measure the temperature of newly born babies.
Ear thermometers measure a human temperature by allowing the person to insert the sensor into a human ear and read the infrared radiation emanating from the eardrum tissues of the person. Basal thermometers are usually used by women to measure slight changes in their temperature to detect if ovulation has taken place and if temperature has returned back to normal.
What kind of thermometer is more suitable for babies?
It really depends on how old your baby is. If he or she is less than 3 months old, a baby rectum thermometer will be recommended. A baby at this age will be most fragile and it is crucial for you to accurately measure his temperature since it is so young.
If he or she is more than 5 to 6 months old, it will be recommended for you to get a baby ear thermometer since the ear canal has grown big enough to insert your thermometer for measurement and get an accurate reading for it. Once your kid has grown big enough (4 years old and above), you can go for an oral one.
Choose the right thermometer for your babies are important since babies are young and prone to fever. Inaccurate temperature measurement is definitely undesirable.
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