There are different types of clinical thermometers for measuring body temperature. Which clinical thermometer is the best for home use?

Glass thermometer

similar to the old mercury thermometers, which are no longer sold today. The glass thermometer contains gallium, indium and tin instead of mercury.

The glass thermometer is used to measure under the tongue, under the armpits and rectally.

 

+ Very precise measurement of the temperature

+ reasonably priced

- Measuring time lasts several minutes

- the glass can break easily

 

Forehead thermometer

The forehead thermometer measures the skin temperature by means of an infrared sensor.

The Strin thermometer is best used to measure body temperature on the forehead and temples.

 

+ easy handling

+ fast measurement of the temperature, about 3 seconds

- frequent false readings

 

Ear thermometer

The ear thermometer measures the body temperature inside the ear with an infrared beam.

 

+ very fast measurement of the temperature

- unsuitable for babies

- Less easy handling

- Unsuitable for otitis media

 

Electronic contact thermometer

Electronic contact thermometers are the digital version of glass thermometers.

The measuring points are under the tongue, under the armpits and rectally

 

+ Much shorter measuring time than glass thermometers (approx. 1 minute)

+ reasonably priced

+ Relatively reliable measurement results

- longer measuring time than infrared thermometer