Using a reliable medical thermometer is essential for effectively managing illnesses at home.

Modern thermometers provide accurate readings in just a few seconds, but how do you decide which one is right for your family?

Digital thermometers are the most accurate option for measuring body temperature. The ideal thermometer is one that is easy to use correctly and comes from a trusted manufacturer. For babies and young children, alimentary thermometers are often recommended by doctors as the most accurate. However, forehead thermometers are also reliable alternatives that offer greater convenience.

1. Digital Thermometers

Digital thermometers are advanced devices that provide highly accurate temperature readings when used correctly. They are user-friendly, affordable, and widely accessible.

These thermometers use heat sensors to measure body temperature and feature an electronic circuit with a display screen to show the readings. They are versatile and can be used to measure temperature from under the tongue or armpit.

2. Clinical Thermometers

Clinical thermometers, also known as medical thermometers, are specifically designed to measure human body temperature. Traditionally made of a long, narrow glass tube with a mercury-filled bulb at one end, these thermometers are gradually being replaced by digital options due to environmental and safety concerns.

Clinical thermometers require sterilization before each use and are designed to measure the typical human temperature range, which averages 98.6°F but can vary between 95°F and 107.6°F.

3. Electronic Ear Thermometers

Electronic ear thermometers, or tympanic thermometers, utilize infrared technology to measure body temperature from the ear canal. They work by detecting heat emitted by the tympanic membrane through infrared energy. These thermometers provide quick and accurate results, making them especially suitable for use with children.

4. Forehead Thermometers

Forehead thermometers use infrared sensors to measure the temperature of the superficial temporal artery, a branch of the carotid artery. Their non-contact design has made them a popular choice for use in public spaces such as airports, stores, and stadiums.

While convenient and hygienic, forehead thermometers are generally less accurate than digital thermometers, with readings often running about 1°F lower.

Digital vs Mercury Thermometer

Video by Decorify