There are generally three types of household thermometers currently on the market: mercury thermometers, electronic thermometers, and infrared ear thermometers.
Mercury thermometer
The mercury thermometer is made of transparent glass and contains mercury (mercury), which is stored in the mercury bulb at the end. When mercury is heated, it expands and rises along a very narrow glass tube. Based on this principle, we can use it to easily measure human body temperature.
Advantages: low price, simple operation, high precision.
Disadvantages: It is easy to break, mercury is highly toxic, and it is very easy to cause poisoning if it is inhaled by the human body after volatilization.
Summary: Major related organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, no longer recommend the use of mercury thermometers. Mercury pollution has attracted worldwide attention, and many countries prohibit the sale of all mercury-containing medical devices. Although it is not expressly prohibited in our country, for the health of children and family members, it is best not to use mercury thermometers at home because this is a product that is gradually being eliminated from the market.
Digital electronic clinical thermometer
The electronic thermometer is composed of a temperature sensor, a liquid crystal display, a button battery, an application specific integrated circuit and other electronic components.
Advantages: easy to carry, easy to read, fast temperature measurement, high accuracy, and also have the functions of memory and buzzer prompts.
Disadvantages: When measuring, place the thermometer in the armpit, mouth or anus and wait for a while. If the baby is unwilling to cooperate with the measurement, it may cause the temperature measurement to fail.
Summary: Digital electronic thermometer is the best choice for mothers, because it is not only non-toxic and harmless to the human body and the surrounding environment, but also very accurate temperature measurement, so pediatrician experts generally recommend that parents use electronic thermometers to measure the temperature of their children .
Medical infrared thermometer
Medical infrared thermometers are commonly known as "ear thermometers." This kind of thermometers only need to point the probe at the child's inner ear canal, and then gently press the temperature measurement button for a while to quickly obtain body temperature data. Advantages: The temperature measurement speed is extremely fast, and the body temperature data can usually be obtained within a few seconds; the reading is convenient; the auxiliary functions are complete.
Disadvantages: the price is more expensive. The accuracy of this type of thermometer depends on the ability of the infrared beam to reach the tympanic membrane. If the child has more cerumen or small bends in the ear canal, the measured data may not be accurate in this case.
Summary: If there are elderly or young babies at home, the medical infrared thermometer will definitely bring you a lot of convenience, especially when the baby does not cooperate, you can quickly help him measure his temperature.
