As a healthcare professional, you want the best for your patients, especially when they get sick. One of the first signs when someone is feeling unwell is an increased body temperatu re. The quickest way to check this is with a temperature monitor. But with so many options, how do you know which one is the best?

Long gone are the days when mercury thermometers were the staple in every home and healthcare setting. Today, most temp sensors are digital. They are a lot safer and easier to use. So, if you need to find a digital thermometer, there are many great options to explore. You just need to figure out which one works best for your needs.

What Type of Thermometer is Used by Doctors?

Doctors mostly use digital thermometers because they are the quickest and safest way to gauge someone’s body temperature. They are also great for home use because both parents and kids can use them easily. The most common way to measure temperature is through the mouth, forehead, or ears.

However, it can also be done rectally or under the armpit. Based on this, there are different types of temperature sensors, each with its own benefits. Check out the available options and pick a digital thermometer that can give the most accurate readings for your or your patient’s needs.

Digital Thermometers for Oral, Rectal and Underarm Temperature Measurement

One of the usual ways to measure temperature is through the mouth, but it can also be done rectally. Many medical thermometers can be used for either method. Oral readings are simple and can give accurate results in seconds. Underarm readings are also accurate and mostly used for young kids who may not have the patience or dislike keeping a thermometer in their mouth.

Rectal readings are often used for babies since they can’t hold a thermometer in their mouth or underarms. They provide some of the most accurate readings since they measure the body’s core temperatures. Digital temp sensors are a lot safer for all types of readings and many come with extra features like soft, flexible tips for added comfort during use.

Forehead Thermometers

Forehead thermometers use infrared technology to measure temperature. They present maybe some of the easiest and simplest ways to gauge body heat. To use one, depending on the type, position the sensor on the centre of the forehead or hold it slightly above the skin. Most models will beep when the reading is finished and some even come with a fever alarm to alert when the temperature is too high.

These are also probably the most hygienic thermometers. After each use, just swipe them with a cloth and they are ready for the next reading. They are especially practical for sleeping babies and kids since you can check their temperature without waking them up. However, they can sometimes be less accurate than other types if not used correctly.

Ear Thermometers

Ear thermometers may not be used as frequently as other types, but they also give fairly accurate results in just a few seconds. They measure the heat inside the ear canal and are especially useful for kids who refuse to hold a thermometer under the arm or in the mouth. However, they might not work as well for babies because their ear canal is still very small and can affect the accuracy of the reading.

Dual-Mode Thermometers for Ear and Forehead Use

If you’re looking for two functions in one, you might want to check dual thermometers. They offer the best of both worlds. Great for medical assessments and home uses as well, they can be used for both forehead and ear readings and you can easily switch between modes, depending on the situation.

Most modern thermometers have plenty of helpful features that make measuring easier. For instance, some can store up to 20 past readings which is extremely helpful for medical uses as nurses and doctors can track changes in patients over time. Others give results in as little as five seconds. Then there are those with waterproof designs which are great for families with kids or medical purposes. Many models also come with soft, flexible tips that are comfortable to use for both kids and adults.

What Type of Medical Thermometer is Most Accurate?

Oral and ear thermometers give generally accurate readings if used correctly. Still, rectal models are usually the most accurate of all because they measure the temperature directly from inside the body.

What Type of Thermometer is Best for Babies?

In terms of accuracy, rectal thermometers provide the most reliable readings. As for comfort, forehead models may be better, especially for sleeping babies or very anxious ones since they are a non-intrusive way to check their temperature. However, they tend to be less precise.