Everyone knows why people measure their temperature - temperature deviation from the norm is one of the first signs of health problems.. Therefore, the main question is not why, when you feel unwell, measure the temperature, but what is the best way to do it..
There are many thermometers on the market today: mercury models, infrared and electronic, non-contact and contact models, disposable and interchangeable head thermometers. Each model has its own features of use, its own advantages and disadvantages..
The old-fashioned way, mercury thermometers The most familiar body temperature meter in our area is the maximum mercury thermometer, which is a glass flask with a special capillary that contains mercury.. It is called maximum because in such a thermometer, after measuring the temperature, the mercury column remains at the upper heating mark and does not fall down without shaking.
Advantages:.
•Constant measurement accuracy (permissible error of one tenth of a degree.
•Variety of measurement methods (armpit, oral or rectal).
• Durability (if the mercury thermometer is not broken, there is nothing to break in it).
• Ease of disinfection (only boiling is prohibited).
•Low price (fifteen to twenty rubles).
Flaws:.
•Easy enough to break, after which mercury will stand out and glass fragments will appear on the floor.
• Sufficiently long measurement time - about ten minutes.
•Due to the streamlined shape, rectal measurement increases the risk of "
• For small children, it is better not to use a mercury thermometer orally.
Electronic thermometer For accurate measurement, electronic thermometers need to be in close contact with the surface of the body.. Therefore, when purchasing an electronic thermometer, adherents of the traditional "
However, they can purchase an electronic model with a flat tip..
Advantages:.
• Short measurement time - thirty - sixty seconds (with the "
•Auto power off.
•Easy to read results.
• Many models remember the last readings (from one to twenty-five).
• Interchangeable scale "
• Large selection of models, including special children's models in bright colors or in the form of a nipple, equipped with flexible low-traumatic tips.
• Illuminated thermometers are convenient to use in the dark.
Flaws:.
• You must strictly follow the instructions.
• In order to get accurate results when measuring under the arm, the measurement period is much higher than the minimum stated, and in many models there is an instruction to hold the thermometer for a certain time after the end of the measurement, so the time must be recorded separately, this is not very convenient.
• Not every model can be disinfected and washed, the possibility of disinfection must be clarified before purchase.
• Batteries may need to be changed at the most inopportune moment.
• Relatively high cost of the thermometer, which, nevertheless, is lower than the correct demercurization of the room, carried out if the mercury thermometer is accidentally broken.
Infrared thermometer Features of the mechanism of action: the sensitive element in the thermometer captures the data of the infrared radiation of the object, then converting them into those temperature indicators that are familiar to us. In the line of thermometers, such models are positioned as a novelty.
Advantages:.
• Availability of all additional functions of electronic thermometers (sound signals, auto power off, memory, etc.).
• Allows you to measure the temperature very quickly (five to thirty seconds).
• The presence of replaceable tips allows you to solve the problem of disinfection and hygiene.
• Non-contact model allows you to measure the temperature of sleeping sick and capricious children.
Flaws:.
•Often there are errors,.
fluctuation accuracy in household models sometimes reaches 0.5 degrees.
• Must be used at certain points on the body (ears, temples, forehead).
• In case of careless handling, the eardrum may be injured.
•In case of inflammation of the middle ear, ear models provide unreliable results.
• Unreliable results also occur when measuring the temperature of a screaming or crying child.
•Need periodic checks.
• Expensive (up to three and a half thousand rubles).
Thermal strips Represent a light-sensitive film. Its appearance changes depending on the temperature of the person to whom this film is applied..
These strips give a significant error and often have a gradation of "
With such a low accuracy, thermal strips, however, are in demand among mothers who decide with their help whether they should uncover a normal thermometer or not, as well as in field conditions.
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