Did you know that different types of thermometers? Each thermometer has its own advantages, by measuring temperatures that can vary. So that you don't choose and use it wrong, let's recognize the type of thermometer and how to measure the temperature correctly.
Thermometers on the market are digital and some still use mercury as a measure of body temperature. The use of thermometers in measuring body temperature also varies, some are placed in the mouth, on the forehead, in the ear, or plugged into the rectum.
Types of Thermometers
There are various types of thermometers that can be used to measure body temperature. Here are a few:
1. Digital thermometer
A digital thermometer made of plastic and shaped like a pencil. Usually this thermometer uses an electronic heat sensor to record body temperature either through the mouth, underarm, or rectum. Digital thermometers are used to measure temperature through the anus, generally more elastic.
2. Ear digital thermometer
Ear digital thermometer or tympanic thermometer, is a thermometer that utilizes infrared light to measure the temperature in the ear canal, precisely in the eardrum (tympanic membrane).
To use this thermometer, you only need to direct the infrared sensor to the ear hole. However, make sure the ear is clean because if it is blocked by earwax, the temperature measurement results can be inaccurate.
3. Digital dot thermometer
Digital dot thermometers have a dot-like shape or pacifier, so it is suitable for children who are still using pacifiers. How to use it is also easy. The little one just needs to suck the pacifier thermometer for 3 minutes to get accurate body temperature results.
4. Forehead thermometer
This thermometer uses infrared to measure the temperature on the forehead and temporal arteries in the temples. Although it can give fast results, this type of thermometer cannot be said to have the same level of accuracy as an ordinary digital thermometer. In addition, the forehead thermometer also has a higher price than other types of thermometers.
5. Mercury thermometer
This type of thermometer may be the type most often encountered thermometer. Shaped glass tube containing molten silver (mercury). Heat exposure from body temperature will increase the height of mercury in the tube until it reaches a point that indicates body temperature.
Even though it's cheap, mercury thermometers are no longer recommended for use. Because, this thermometer is easily broken, besides that the mercury coming out of the thermometer tube is volatile and inhaled. This risks causing poisoning.
Things to Look For When Using a Thermometer
To get accurate results, there are things that must be considered when using a thermometer, namely:
Normal body temperature is 36.5 - 37 degrees Celsius.
Do not use a thermometer immediately after eating, drink hot or cold liquids, and smoke. Wait for about 20-30 minutes so that the results are more accurate.
After exercising and taking a hot shower, do not immediately measure your body temperature using a thermometer. Give a gap of about one hour.
If you use a mouth thermometer, place the thermometer under your tongue and close your lips tightly.
When measuring temperature, let the thermometer sit for a while until you hear an alarm sounding the temperature measurement is complete or until the mercury stops at one temperature point.
Before and after use, don't forget to wash the thermometer with clean water and soap or alcohol before storing it again.
If after measuring it with a thermometer, your body temperature is more than 38 degrees Celsius or less than 35 degrees Celsius, you should immediately see a doctor. The doctor will do an examination and provide treatment that is appropriate to your condition or disease.
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