Electronic (contact) thermometers determine the temperature as accurately as mercury. Errors creep in when you do it wrong.
- The accuracy of the result depends on the degree of contact of the thermometer sensor with the body. Therefore, hold the thermometer firmly in your armpit.
- Measure the temperature according to the principle: "It is better to overexpose than underexpose." Often, the plastic body of the thermometer has not yet reached body temperature when we hear the signal about the finished result. To get an accurate reading, you need to put it off under your arm and turn it on after 30 seconds. During this time, the temperature of the body and the thermometer will equalize.
A thermometer with an infrared sensor measures the temperature without touching the patient.
It has two advantages:
- no need to disturb the sleeping patient;
- the result is instant.
In addition, with an infrared thermometer, you can quickly measure:
- room temperature,
- formula or milk in a baby bottle,
- water in a baby bath.
Infrared thermometers have their drawbacks. They give an error of up to ± 0.5 ° C. The measurement result may be influenced by seemingly insignificant factors:
- moisture in the skin
- inflammation in the ear canal,
- air conditioner or heater turned on ...
How to choose an electronic thermometer
Additional features of the thermometer make it comfortable to use.
- Even a half-blind grandmother will see large and clear numbers on the display.
- The charge indicator will notify you when to change the battery.
- You will not injure the baby with a flexible tip, even if you measure the temperature in the rectum (rectally), in the ear or in the mouth without skill.
- With the backlight, you can see the values in the dark. This will allow you to measure the temperature without turning on the light.
- The built-in clock makes it easy to find out the time.
To prevent the thermometer from slipping out of your hands, choose models with a raised sidewall. Dropping can damage the electronics.
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