Thermometers - what are they?

Human body temperature is one of the indicators that can not only show early signs of a disease, but also help monitor its development and treatment. That is why temperature measurement is one of the most commonly performed medical tests, which everyone encounters in the first days of life, and a thermometer can be found in every home. However, like all medical devices, thermometers come in different types.

Mechanical thermometers

Mechanical thermometers are traditional glass thermometers that contain a small mercury or alcohol capsule. Both of these thermometers work on the principle of simple physics – as the thermometer heats up, the liquid inside it expands and rises up the tube, showing the measured temperature. The glass thermometer is already a well-known medical device, but this does not mean that it does not have its drawbacks. One of the biggest is that a glass thermometer can easily break and injure the person using it. Due to their fragility, mechanical thermometers currently sold in pharmacies only have alcohol capsules – thermometers containing mercury capsules have been banned in Lithuania since 2008 due to the risk of poisoning they pose [1]. Despite this, older people still look for these thermometers in pharmacies – they say that such thermometers measure temperature most accurately.

Electronic thermometers

Old-fashioned glass thermometers are gradually being replaced on the market by electronic thermometers. These are the same shape as mechanical thermometers, but their operation is based on thermistors - the change in the electrical conductivity of the heated metal is measured. Such a thermometer is significantly superior to a glass one in terms of speed - the results are known within a couple of minutes, and the results are also more accurate. Electronic thermometers can also have a flexible tip. This is a great thermometer for children, as the flexible tip makes it easier to see the readings when measuring the temperature in the anus of smaller children and infants [2]. Another advantage is that electronic thermometers are durable and compact, making them perfect for people who travel frequently.

Non-contact thermometers

These models have only recently appeared on the market, so they may seem strange and overly complicated. However, these are the thermometers most often recommended by specialists. Their readings are not only accurate, but also provided within a few seconds. These electronic thermometers are most suitable for those raising small children - not only because of their convenient and quick use, but also because of the ability to measure the temperature of surfaces and liquids, such as milk [3]. Non-contact thermometers are most often used in medical institutions due to their universal, fast and accurate operation.

Thermometers are one of the most useful medical tools in the home. Although non-contact thermometers are still a big novelty for many, they are the best choice for those looking to purchase a new thermometer.

To purchase quality NISSEI or Little Doctor (LD) non-contact or digital thermometers at an affordable price, follow these links:

https://aceso.lt/collections/kitos-prekes

https://aceso.lt/collections/kitos-prekes/products/nissei-mt-500-bekontaktis-termometras

[1] Enrika Saplytė, Chief Specialist, Public Health Safety Control Department, National Public Health Centre

[2] Jubran A. Critical care

[3] Miglė Kazakevičienė, pharmacist at Eurovaistinė