Keeping pace with the advanced time, scientists are busy inventing things to minimise human efforts. And in recent times, thermometer technology has significantly improved, and the no-touch laser digital instrument is the latest addition to the scenario. Several temperature measuring devices are available on the market today in different shapes and sizes, all of which are used according to the requirements. For example, when the patient is a child, it is tough to use a glass or an oral digital tool to measure their body temperature. In that case, specifically designed equipment for kids in the shape of a pacifier is the best option. Moreover, at times you need precise and accurate measurements, where a few degrees matter a lot. So, in that case, doctors prefer using rectal variants as they provide much more accurate results in just a few seconds. So if you want to buy such a device for any purpose, check out the following guide. This article discusses the things you need to consider when purchasing one; continue reading!
Table of Contents
Things to Consider When Buying Thermometers
Features
Today these temperature measuring gadgets come with many additional features like:
- Lighted display: To help you see the temperature at night or in low light.
- Soft or curved tips: Gives you the ease of use and comfort.
- Insertion guide: A line or mark is provided showing an endpoint of insertion.
- Fever alerts: Some models provide a unique beep when the temperature exceeds a specific degree F; others have visual fever alerts with different display lights.
- Memory: Records the past temperature to help you analyse your improvement.
- Age and temperature technology: You can enter the patient’s age, and the device will alert you if the temperature noted is normal for that age group or not.
Besides these, there are many more features. So based on the features that best suit your need, you can select accordingly.
Application
The body’s temperature can be measured in several ways: orally, anally, by ear, forehead, or axillary. For this purpose, different types of equipment are available these days, allowing one to check the temperature from different points of measurement. However, the one that best suits you depends on your need, preference, and age of the patient.
Response Time
The next thing you need to keep in mind is the response time. Depending on your chosen model, a digital instrument may take 10 to more than 60 seconds to display the results. On the other hand, infrared tools provide the results in less than 5 seconds; however, they may not be the most accurate reading. So based on the level of accuracy you need, you can make your selection.
Comfort
You get plenty of choices when it comes to buying a thermometer. While some have a rigid tip, others have a flexible tip. Some even come with single-use tips or disposable tips to avoid contamination. You even find these gadgets with ends shaped like a pacifier for infants and toddlers, making it easier for a pediatrician to measure without annoying the babies. Also, there are contactless devices that have gained immense popularity after the outbreak of the pandemic. Hence, it is better to consider the patient’s comfort while purchasing the tool.
Convenience
Last but not least, you need to consider how convenient it is to use the thermometer. Suppose you are buying it for an older adult who might be suffering from shaky hands or impaired vision. In that case, you need to buy an instrument that is easy to handle and delivers the temperature reading loud and clear. That was it! These are the major factors you should consider when buying such a device for your home. And if you keep these things in mind when purchasing, indeed, you can make the right choice.