Digital thermometers to measure the temperature of children and adults

 Digital thermometers to measure the temperature of children and adults

Digital thermometers allow us to control body temperature and detect fever in its first stage to stop it in time. Find out why you need one

Amercury-free, glass-free digital thermometer is much more accurate, fast, and efficient than a traditional one. In fact, it will let you know if you are sick and have a fever in a few seconds. It uses a complex and sophisticated system to measure body temperature from the armpit or orally, rectally or tympanic , that is, by ear. In short, an indispensable device in our home medicine cabinet.

- Digital thermometers to measure the temperature of children and adults and Instant-Read Thermometers Product

A great example is provided by this Beurer digital body meter . We have chosen it the best digital thermometer within this comparison made based on the analysis of user opinions thanks to its large LCD screen, its low margin of error (+/- 0.1-0.2º C) and its End of measurement and fever audible alarms . Of course, if you are looking for a non-contact infrared digital thermometer, this thermometer for babies and adults is a good alternative. It has an automatic shut-off system, works on the forehead and at a distance of 3-5 cm and offers readings in degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit . Two very good options, but there are more.

The best, our choice: Beurer digital body thermometer

The best digital thermometer from the Beurer brand according to Amazon user ratings, which give it 4.2 out of 5 and 62% 5-star ratings . For example, Manuel says of him that “it is fast, precise and cheap. A digital clinical thermometer with fever alarm indispensable in any home ”. Instead, Rebeca focuses on “it's not made of glass. To me, who have small children at home, it seems safer than others ”.

This digital thermometer resistant water by design tight plastic measuring body temperature in just about 30 seconds. The margin of error of its measurement range is +/- 0.1-0.2º C and it has an extra large LCD screen to show the readings. In addition, it emits an acoustic signal at the end of the measurement and a fever signal if the temperature is higher than 37.8º C. It does not work with mercury .

Second option: Digital infrared thermometer for babies and adults

With 4.2 out of 5 and 68% 5-star reviews , this is the best digital thermometer from the iHealth brand for Amazon customers. According to Jennifer, "it measures the temperature in less than 3 seconds." For his part, Lim indicates that "he had read that infrared thermometers were not very reliable" but "this detects the ambient temperature to be calibrated only before the measurement. I have compared it to another digital thermometer and it is just as accurate. "

This highly accurate digital infrared thermometer has a beautiful design and a built-in LED display that shows the results of readings in Fahrenheit and Celsius. These are done in just 2.5 seconds and its ambient temperature sensor guarantees very accurate results. It requires two AAA batteries and weighs just 132 grams.

Alternative: Braun Digital Thermometer with Age Precision

To help interpret fever with the naked eye, Braun has developed Age Precision Technology , an age-adjustable fever guide (0-3 months, 3-36 months, and 36 months to adult) that helps quickly interpret the reading with a color-coded display. The thermometer is very comfortable to use thanks to a flexible tip, designed for use in the armpit. It measures the temperature in 8 seconds and memorizes the last reading so that you can check the last temperature taken.

The valuation of this thermometer is 4.3 out of 5 and 67% of the people who have bought it through Amazon, have scored it with 5 stars. That is the case of Chema, who is delighted with his purchase: "It is quite accurate (everything that this type of digital thermometer can be). It is comfortable to use since the part that goes to the armpit is flexible, and with children make it much easier to put it on. But the best, without a doubt, the resistance. One night we put the thermometer on my son's bed, shortly after he vomited, we removed the sheets quickly, not realizing that the thermometer was still there. He went to the washing machine and spent an hour and three quarters spinning with soap and water. When tender it appeared, we dried it and tested it. No problem. Since then, I have bought another one. "

OMRON Healthcare Digital Thermometer

Digital fever thermometer for oral, axillary and rectal use , which gives the desired information in approximately 60 seconds in degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit. It has a rounded tip that makes it easy to take the temperature, includes a cover to protect it when not in use and is water resistant.

Jorge bought it through Amazon and, in addition to highlighting the excellent quality and price ratio of this product, he comments that "before I used the thermometer my whole life, but there were times when there was no light, I didn't see the value well I knew if he was wearing it for 2 minutes or 3 or 5 or 10. With this, all those problems are solved since it not only alerts you with a beep when it has finished taking the temperature, but also shows you the result on a screen that it looks perfectly. Taking the temperature is not instantaneous, it takes about 2-5 minutes, but as it warns you, there is no problem ". The valuation of this digital thermometer among Amazon users is 4.1 out of 5 .

How to choose a digital thermometer?

If you want to buy a digital thermometer, keep these things in mind to make sure you get it right:

1. Measurement time : the shorter the better. In this comparison of digital thermometers we have seen models that perform it in less than 30 seconds.
2. Accuracy : a professional digital thermometer should have a margin of error of less than 0.01º C. Only then will it report reliable measurements.
3. Audible signal : to indicate when the measurement has finished. It is especially essential in models designed for armpits. It is also advisable to use a digital thermometer with a fever warning, especially in the case of people with vision problems.
4. Data memory : a basic characteristic to check how your fever process evolves during illness.
5. Battery : Cheap digital thermometers generally run on button batteries. The more sophisticated models use rechargeable batteries.
6. Automatic shutdown : to save batteries and always have it ready when we need it most.
7. Price of the digital thermometer : a good deal on digital thermometers can allow you to buy a classic model for less than € 10. In contrast, the price of digital infrared thermometers ranges between 30 and 100 euros, depending on their additional functions.
8. Best brands of digital thermometers : Beurer, iHealth, Sararoom and Femometer are the highest rated manufacturers after analyzing hundreds of user opinions of digital thermometers.
9. Who will use it? :

• -Babies and children up to 6 years old : the best digital thermometers for them are rectal ones.
• -Children older than 6 years and adolescents : it is more appropriate to opt for digital thermometers for the armpit.
• -Youth, Adults, and Seniors : Oral and Tympanic (Ear) Digital Thermometers are the most reliable.
• -Sick with contagious conditions : infrared laser digital thermometer since it avoids direct contact.

It is also important to take into account the type of operation , which can be:
Infrared laser : it is a type of digital thermometer that does not require physical contact.
Classic : using thermistors that detect temperature according to variations in skin tension.

What is a digital thermometer and what is it for?

A digital thermometer is an electronic device used to measure body temperature and detect if a person has a fever . To do this, it has a system of integrated circuits that record the voltage variations produced in the skin, mouth or ear and transform them into a numerical value. This is converted to degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit and is displayed on a screen almost instantly.

The rise in temperature usually precedes fever or general malaise so having a thermometer handy is very useful

eye! A digital kitchen thermometer is not valid for measuring fever in people. Its degree of sensitivity is lower when having to operate with more extreme temperatures.

Digital or mercury thermometers?

Digital thermometers for detecting fever in adults, babies, and children are undoubtedly better than mercury thermometers . Let's see why:

• Greater precision : there is no more effective system than a digital body thermometer to detect fever. Mercury is a heavy metal that can be altered by environmental conditions and by contact with the user's fingers.
• Easier to Use - No need to shake digital thermometers before use. This is only necessary in the classic mercury thermometer to unify the mineral and expand according to the detected temperature.
• Faster : The best digital thermometers show the temperature in degrees centigrade in a few seconds Mercury ones can take up to 5 minutes to show a reliable measurement.
• Safer : Mercury is a very toxic element. If the thermometer is broken, released, and touched, inhaled, or eaten, it can lead to serious health problems and even death. This is especially concerning in the case of children. However, it is a risk that does not exist in digital thermometers for temperature measurement.

In Spain and in many other countries the sale of mercury thermometers is prohibited due to the toxicity of this heavy metal. However, there are people who still have them in their homes. The health authorities recommend its replacement as soon as possible. Of course, you should not confuse classic mercury thermometers with gallium thermometers . Both have a similar operating system, but the latter are not toxic.

How do digital thermometers work?

First, you must know what elements make up any digital thermometer:

• Thermistor : it is located at the tip of the thermometer. It is a device that, depending on the temperature of the area, varies its resistance to the passage of electricity.
• Integrated circuit : integrates the thermistor and is responsible for transmitting the information to the transducer.
• Transducer : collects the information from the thermistor and, using an analog-digital converter, transforms the voltage into a binary number.
• Display or digital screen : responsible for facilitating the reading of body temperature.

That said, operating a digital baby or adult thermometer is relatively straightforward. The thermistor of the integrated circuit detects small variations in voltage produced in the skin that modify the temperature. Depending on the value of this, the electric current has more or less difficulty to pass through it. That information collected by the thermistor is transmitted to the transducer as a voltage. This has an analog-digital converter that converts the voltage into a binary number. Then, using the information stored in your memory, you just have to convert those digits into degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit. Finally, the device screen shows the reading data.

What is the normal body temperature?

Body temperature varies depending on age, the activity you are doing, or the time of day . It can even vary between two subjects exposed to the same conditions. Therefore, all values between 36.1º C (97º F) and 37º C (98.6º F) are considered normal . Does this mean that if your body temperature drops below 36º C you have hypothermia and if it rises above 37º C you have a fever? Not necessarily . It will depend on your individual characteristics and many other external factors. Therefore, it is important that you take measurements when you are not sick to know what is the normal temperature in you and what is not.

How safe are digital thermometers?

Digital thermometers are 100% safe . This is because they work without glass that can break and without mercury or other metal that can be toxic. Its use does not pose any risk to children or adults.

Types of digital thermometers

We can distinguish different types of digital thermometers depending on where they should be used :

• Tympanic digital thermometer : or digital ear thermometer. Measure the temperature by inserting the tip of the thermistor into the ear and reaching the cavity of the eardrum. It is very reliable.
• Oral and armpit digital thermometer : it receives this name since, generally, it can be used to measure body temperature both in the mouth and in the armpit. It is the most used by adults, but also the least accurate.
• Rectal digital thermometer: it is a temperature meter whose thermistor must be inserted through the anus. It is the digital thermometer recommended for babies and the seriously ill. It offers extraordinary precision.

However, it is also possible to differentiate two types of thermometers depending on their mode of operation :

• Contact digital thermometer : should be placed in the armpit, rectum, mouth or ear to detect temperature. That is, it must remain in contact with the skin or enter a body cavity.
• Infrared digital thermometer : unlike the previous one, it works without body contact. It is also called a forehead thermometer since it can detect fever in babies, children and adults from the forehead. It is a very fast and ideal system when there is a risk of contagion of an infectious disease. In fact, it is the one used by health authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How do you use a digital thermometer?

Very easy:

• Press the power button on the LCD digital thermometer.
• Wait for the numbering to reset .
• Place the thermometer in the area recommended by the manufacturer (armpit, ear, etc.).
• Wait for the acoustic signal to indicate the end of the measurement.
• The display will now indicate the temperature.

If it is a non-contact digital forehead thermometer, you just have to put it about 2-3 cm from the skin and wait for the screen to reflect the measurement.

How do you know if a digital thermometer works well?

These are some common problems in digital thermometers and their corresponding solutions:

• The screen does not turn on : the battery is probably dead. Put in a new digital thermometer battery (usually button-type) and try again. If it does not light, consult the warranty of the seller and / or the manufacturer.
• The display shows 'LO' : this occurs because the ambient temperature was too low prior to the measurement. Repeat it and it will be fine.
• Measurements give different results : no need to take two consecutive measurements. If you do, the second is most likely higher than the first. However, the correct one will be the first.

In what areas of the body can a digital thermometer be used?

It will depend on the type of digital thermometer. These are:

• Armpits : fever is considered above 37.2ºC . It is the recommended area for adults but not the most reliable. But which armpit do you put the digital thermometer in? Does not matter. The results are the same in both.
• Mouth : here it is determined that there is a fever from 37.3ºC . It is also not very accurate.
• Ear : a good option for children and contagious patients. There is a fever if the measurement rises above 37.5ºC .
• Straight : the most precise area, but the most uncomfortable. If the measurement exceeds 37.6 ° C , the subject has a fever.
• Front : 37º C is the reference value. Only a wireless infrared or laser thermometer works here. The others are not valid.

How do you calibrate a digital thermometer?

Even the best digital thermometers must be periodically calibrated to correctly detect high body temperature. Specifically, you should do it before the first use, after a fall or if you think the reading is incorrect. There are two effective methods to see if a mercury-free digital thermometer needs to be calibrated:
Fill a glass with crushed ice and add water to the brim. Stir and wait 3 minutes before inserting the thermometer. It should read 0º C (32º F).
Put a glass of water in a saucepan. Bring it to the boiling point and insert the thermometer. If it says 100º C (212º F), that's fine.

But what if you don't indicate the correct value? Typically, the digital thermometer has a button or a calibration wheel. Press or turn it until the display shows 0 or 100, depending on the system you choose. It is ready to use again.

How do you read a digital thermometer?

You just have to check the screen and read the temperature . You will be able to know if you have a fever by comparing the reading with the comments in the section "In which areas of the body can a digital thermometer be used?".

How to read a digital thermometer in Fahrenheit?

Generally, digital pharmacy thermometers allow readings in degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit . In Spain we usually use the former to make measurements, but not in other countries. Therefore, if your model comes from abroad, you may run into the problem that it only measures the temperature using degrees Fahrenheit. However, going from Fahrenheit to Celsius is very simple. 0º C to 32º F equal and 100º C to 212º F . You will have a fever if your measurement returns between 98.6º F (37º C) and 104º F (40º C) or higher .

How do you know if you have a fever without a digital thermometer?

It is impossible to know for sure . The usual thing is to put the hand on the forehead, but it is not an effective method since it influences the thermal sensation of the skin of the hand. In any case, there are symptoms and indicators that we may have a fever:

• Headache.
• Fatigue.
• General discomfort.
• Pain concentrated in the legs and lower back.
• Rosy cheeks

These are symptoms associated with fever, but neither individually nor as a whole do they necessarily imply that your body temperature has risen due to the activity of your immune system. Keep that in mind.

What to do if the temperature is above 37 degrees?

Many factors can trigger a fever and not all are necessarily serious. This guide can be helpful: - Between 37º C and 38º C : it is considered a mild fever. A simple antipyretic (paracetamol or aspirin, for example) without a prescription can help you lower it. Of course, you should make an appointment with your family doctor so that he can see you as soon as possible. Check the evolution of the fever every hour. - Between 38º C and 39º C : this temperature range is already considered high. Go to an outpatient clinic as soon as possible to be seen by your family doctor or the non-delayed service. - Between 39º C and 40º C or more : these are dangerous figures and indicate a serious infection. You should go to an outpatient or hospital emergency department immediately. Many people, when exceeding 39º C, experience delusions and loss of consciousness. In those cases, it is best to call the Emergency Telephone 112.

Maintenance and cleaning of digital thermometers

Digital thermometers are used on people who are usually sick. Therefore, it is vitally important to clean and disinfect them in this way after each use:

• With a cloth dampened in hot water and detergent , clean the tip and body of the thermometer.
• Dry it with a cloth cloth.
• Apply 70º alcohol and let it evaporate on its own.
• Put it back in its case and store it in a place away from the sun and humidity .

Only by performing these steps after each use will you avoid the accumulation and transmission of pathogenic microorganisms and viruses from one person to another inside the home. Knowing this and everything else that we have just told you, you will be sure when it comes to buying the best digital thermometer for you and your family .