Autumn is the time of seasonal diseases. A thermometer is the first assistant for self-diagnosis of the condition.
There is probably not a single person who is not familiar with thermometers. From early childhood, each of us was accustomed to following a simple scheme: felt unwell, placed a thermometer under the armpit, waited ten minutes, and looked. But everything is not as simple as it seems at first glance. A thermometer is a tricky thing, and people, trying to measure the temperature, often overlook a number of rules. The MR-info website tried to figure out how to choose the right thermometer and avoid mistakes when using it.
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Mercury thermometer.
The thermometer from our childhood remains relevant today. A simple glass tube with a mercury rod and a scale with a measurement range from 34 to 42 degrees Celsius inside. A mercury thermometer can measure oral, rectal, and armpit temperature (axillary temperature). It is easy to use, accurate, inexpensive, and the measurement does not depend on external conditions.
The main disadvantages include: the duration of temperature measurement (about 10 minutes), fragility and danger of materials (small balls of mercury are very toxic).
How to use electronic thermometers correctly
Probably, each of us has encountered a situation where measuring an elevated temperature due to an illness gives rather ambiguous results: either the thermometer readings are too high, while the state of health does not seem so bad, or, on the contrary, we suspect the thermometer of downplaying the seriousness of the situation .
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Things can get even more confusing when you measure temperature with more than one type of thermometer: mercury thermometer, electronic thermometer, or infrared thermometer (also called an electronic non-contact thermometer).
In the instructions supplied with the thermometers, you can find information that the error of mercury and electronic thermometers is 0.1 °C, for infrared thermometers it is slightly more - 0.2–0.3 °C. However, you can also come across reviews from people who write: the error of an electronic thermometer sometimes reaches 0.5 °C. The science department decided to figure out whether a mercury thermometer, the principle of operation of which is based on the thermal expansion of mercury, is really the most accurate, and also to understand how to properly use electronic instruments for measuring temperature by contacting an expert and conducting its own experiment.
Expert
Vladimir Sedykh, commercial director of one of the companies producing thermometers,
.
— Is it possible to say that mercury thermometers are more accurate than electronic ones?
- No. Electronic thermometers are no different in accuracy from mercury thermometers: the measurement error of both thermometers is 0.1°C. The problem with electronic thermometers is that to effectively measure temperature, the thermometer must fit very tightly to the surface of the body, so it is advisable to use it in the oral or anal openings.
Almost all electronic thermometers are designed to measure human body temperature by oral or anal methods, but in Russia this method of measurement is unpopular.
When using electronic thermometers, it is very important to maintain the correct measurement time. The instructions often write: measurement time - 10 seconds. But you need to hold it for at least 5 minutes. Usually, when the thermometer takes the first reading, it makes a characteristic squeak. After this squeak, it is better to hold it for a couple more minutes.
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“But if an electronic device determines the temperature almost instantly, why keep it for several minutes?”
— Mercury and electronic thermometers measure different temperatures: the mercury thermometer shows the maximum temperature over a certain period of time. (That is, if you hold it for five minutes, it will show the maximum temperature you had during those five minutes.) An electronic thermometer takes the temperature in a matter of seconds, and you need to hold it for several minutes so that it averages the resulting value. It is worth remembering that the body temperature of any person can fluctuate by quite large values even within a minute - up to 1°C.
— Is there anything else that can interfere with the accuracy of data obtained using electronics?
— The operation of electronic thermometers is affected by another factor - the voltage drop in the batteries. As a rule, all batteries last on average about two years; if you do not change the battery on time, the thermometer will begin to “lie.” Like almost all measuring instruments (for example, tonometers), thermometers have a calibration interval, usually one to two years. But a glass thermometer is not checked during its entire service life! Therefore, all electronic thermometers must be tested at least once a year, for some products - once every two years. This must be indicated in the technical data sheet of the product. Manufacturers usually write: the warranty on the thermometer is for so many years. But if you read the instructions carefully, it will say:
In order for this guarantee to be maintained and for the device to show the exact temperature during the warranty period, it must be regularly brought either to the service center of the manufacturer, or simply to the metrological service.
The cost of testing, or rather verification (metrological term), of one electronic thermometer can reach up to 1 thousand rubles.
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— What advantages does a glass thermometer have over an electronic one?
- Unlike an electronic thermometer, the service life of a glass thermometer is not limited - of course, in the absence of mechanical damage. If you use it carefully, it will serve, one might say, forever. The accuracy of the thermometer does not change over the years, it is sealed, waterproof, anti-allergenic, and does not require battery replacement. The only disadvantage of an old mercury thermometer is mercury, or rather, mercury vapor. In Europe, these are prohibited, and glass thermometers without mercury have been used there for a long time. More recently, these appeared in Russia. In glass thermometers of a new type
Instead of mercury, a non-toxic metal alloy consisting of gallium, indium and tin is used. This thermometer is environmentally friendly, safe, and non-toxic.
— What can you say about electronic non-contact thermometers - infrared?
— With infrared thermometers, it is impossible to achieve an accuracy of ± 0.1 °C, because the beam that measures the temperature passes through air currents: the air conditioner, the heater, your wet forehead - all this affects the measurement result. Of course, I cannot say one hundred percent, but I have seen a huge number of infrared thermometers, and I have not seen one with an error of ± 0.1 °C. The best value is ±0.2 °C. Infrared thermometers are convenient to use, for example, in the sanitary area of an airport for quick, non-contact temperature measurement.
— What thermometer do you recommend using at home?
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— In general, it is recommended to have at home one electronic or infrared thermometer for quick measurements and one mercury thermometer, or better yet a mercury-free glass one, to monitor the temperature over time if a person is already sick. Although, of course, it’s best not to get sick, which is what I wish for you!
Experiment
During the experiment, correspondents from the science department recruited colleagues from the technology department and used three thermometers: glass mercury, electronic and infrared. Five people took part in the experiment, each of whom measured their temperature five times: the first time - with a mercury thermometer, the second - electronically, but in the “wrong” way we are used to, in the armpit (it is worth noting that this method was indicated in the instructions for the thermometer as having the right to life), the third - with an electronic thermometer, placing it, according to the instructions, under the tongue, the fourth - with an infrared thermometer. The last time we measured the temperature again with the same thermometer, but before that we carefully wiped its sensor. Our results can be seen in the table below:
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Table with the results of the experiment
Department of Science
The following conclusions can be drawn from this experiment:
The cleanliness of the sensor significantly affects the readings of the infrared thermometer (before the experiment, it was used for a month), and the readings of the electronic thermometer obtained in the armpit and under the tongue really differ from each other.
However, as you can see, the “reference” temperature - 36.6 °C - was obtained only a few times, and in the case of the author of the note, the readings were in all four cases (with the exception of the experiment, the results of which were clouded by a not very clean infrared thermometer sensor ) and completely exceeded 37°C.
However, despite this, correspondents from the science department are confident that following the instructions and advice of an expert can still help measure the temperature relatively correctly - the main thing is that you need to do this while being in a relaxed state and in a calm home environment.
Dummy thermometer.
The thermometer has the shape of an ordinary nipple, on the body of which there is a screen for displaying readings. To measure, just give the child a pacifier and get the result in 5 minutes. But the measurement results of such a thermometer may not always be accurate. The reasons for this are crying and nasal congestion.
Strip thermometer.
This type of thermometer is classified as a tester. This is a strip on which a thermal film is applied with values in degrees. The strip is applied to the forehead, after 10-15 seconds the color of the strip changes, by which the temperature is determined. The thermal strip is very light and compact, making it convenient to take with you when you are away from home. It should be borne in mind that this type of thermometry does not provide accurate readings.
Thermometers for determining body temperature - what are they?
To make diagnoses of various diseases, you cannot do without thermometers.
Mercury
There are different types of thermometers. Let's list them:
- mercury;
- electronic;
- rectal;
- ear;
- on the forehead;
- infrared.
These types of medical thermometers are used to detect abnormalities in human body temperature.
High indicators can be evidence of various pathologies - this may concern inflammatory diseases, brain diseases, cancer, etc.
It is generally accepted that the indicator should be 36.6 ° C. But this indicator can change due to menstruation, ovulation, or even the time of day.
Infrared thermometer.
An infrared thermometer is a new product on our market, which, despite its fairly high price, is gaining popularity among buyers. Perhaps this is one of the most convenient thermometers. Determines temperature by thermal (infrared) radiation. These thermometers measure temperature within 2-5 seconds, and the data is displayed on the display. When used correctly, the device provides high accuracy. To study the dynamics of the child’s temperature curve, a function was installed to save each result in the device’s memory.
There are several types of infrared thermometers: ear, rectal, frontotemporal and non-contact (pyrometer).
Forehead (infrared) thermometer
Forehead (infrared) thermometer - you just need to touch the tip of the thermometer to the skin in the temple or forehead area, and the readings will be obtained within 1-3 seconds. Errors are possible with a light touch.
Ear (infrared) thermometer
Ear (infrared) thermometer - measures the temperature in the child’s external auditory canal. The kit should come with special attachments. When measuring, we must pull back the ear shell a little. You should not use such thermometers for inflammatory processes in the middle ear. In this case, the information received will be distorted.
Pyrometer (non-contact)
Pyrometer (non-contact) - can measure temperature at a distance, which makes measurements very quickly by reading thermal radiation. Manufacturers officially allow an error of 0.4 degrees. It is necessary to take into account possible deviations only if the child actively moves when measuring temperature. The device can measure not only body temperature, but also water, baby food, and room temperature.
Tips for choosing a thermometer
You will have to answer the question of which thermometer is better to buy, electronic or mercury, yourself, based on the actual conditions of its use.
Buying tips are simple:
- If you have small children in the house, using a mercury device will require you to be extra careful and control the situation. If you are not confident in your ability to ensure safety, buy an electronic device;
- In cases where measurement accuracy is of paramount importance, give preference to a mercury thermometer;
- Medical equipment should only be purchased from pharmacies and specialized stores. Otherwise, you can get a low-quality fake;
- People with low vision need to use digital devices;
- Don't neglect models with additional options. They are not much more expensive than others, but are much more convenient to use;
- Products that are not afraid of wet processing usually last longer due to their durable and sealed housing;
- Do not rely on the reliability of batteries. Always have the necessary supply;
- If this is not burdensome for you, have both types of thermometers in your home.
Watch a video on how to choose a thermometer
Types of thermometers and which one is more accurate?
Measurement accuracy is one of the most important criteria in choosing a thermometer. Glass mercury models are considered the most accurate. But now they are used less and less due to low security.
More modern electronic devices are divided into several types, each with its own measurement accuracy:
- Electronic thermometers look modern and are easy to use . Temperature information is displayed on a small display, but the error can be quite high, especially if the tip of the device does not fit tightly to the body.
- Infrared thermometers are most often used to measure temperature in children, because such a thermometer does not need to be held in the mouth or under the arm . The error is 0.2 degrees, but to obtain the most accurate data, you need to carry out a whole series of measurements.
