When a persons feeling ill and warm, we tend to check their temperature to see if theyre experiencing any fever, allowing you to determine if they should be brought to the hospital immediately. Fortunately, there are a ton of ways on how you can take someones temperature. It can be done through the mouth, ears, forehead, underarm, or rectal.

Along with this, the device that you use to take the temperature has made an evolution that allows you to accurately take ones temperature. One of the most advanced devices in taking someones temperature would be a temperature screening kiosk thats designed for business use. Not only that theyre able to capture ones temperature, but theyre also able to capture the persons photo for database management.

Heres how taking temperatures progressed:

Mercury Thermometer

The mercury thermometer is the oldest medical instrument thats used to detect ones thermometer. Theyre made out of glass and have liquid mercury inside of it that rises up or down, depending on the temperature of the metal end. Along with the glass, it also includes a scale to further help you identify the temperature of a person.

When using this type of thermometer, its best that you gently shake it to reduce the mercury level, capturing better results after it lowers in height. You can use this orally, rectally, and placing it in between your underarms. You just have to wait until the liquid mercury stops moving to make sure that it has made its final count.

Take note that you need to be extra careful when handling mercury thermometer as theyre prone to breakage. Liquid mercury can be toxic and extremely dangerous.

Digital Thermometer

A digital thermometer is a plastic device that uses a sensor instead of a liquid, providing maximum safety in case of breakage.

The digital thermometer is a relatively new invention that makes it easy to keep track of ones temperature. A digital thermometer has no moving parts so it can be kept anywhere. Instead, a digital thermometer contains a microprocessor chip and a small resistor. When a temperature change occurs, the microprocessor senses a slight change in the resistance. The chip then converts the slight change in resistance into an electrical signal and transmits it to the microprocessor's internal memory. The microprocessor interprets the voltage change and provides an electronic readout on the thermometer's display in degrees (Fahrenheit or Celsius).

You must learn to disinfect your thermometer after each use, most especially when you use this at a hospital.

Basal Thermometer

Much like a standard digital thermometer, a basal thermometer simply measures your bodys temperature. The main difference is that it only measures very little incrementsa fraction of a degree or a tenth of a degree.

There are plenty of advantages when using basal thermometers over regular digital thermometers. For one, theyre a lot more accurate than other thermometers. This is because they require less information, giving you accurate readings. Most of them give readings that are within an inch or two of each other.

Temporal Artery Thermometer (TAT)

The TAT is another portable and lightweight handheld device that allows you to capture the temperature of one person without inserting the device into their mouth. All you need to do is to point the sensor on their forehead, press the button, and you should see the results in seconds.

The TAT captures the heat thats naturally released by the skin through the temporal artery. Take note that the arteries receive blood directly from the heart, making it a great and convenient way to check the hearts temperature.

Tympanic Thermometer

A tympanic thermometer refers to a simple apparatus thats commonly used to determine the bodys temperature. This is a handheld, wand-like device that captures a persons temperature from their ear.

It works by using infrared light that helps detect thermal radiation that's emitted from the tympanic membrane. With this, it calculates the emission gathered and converts it into a numerical temperature that allows you to determine the persons temperature. A Tympanic Thermometer should be used by a healthcare professional so can provide accurate results.

Conclusion

With the modern world today, we now have thermometers that allow us to capture a persons temperature without direct contact. This is helpful most especially when youre using this in hospitals since direct contact might result in unintentionally spreading a disease.

Not only has the thermometer evolved, but medical technology has evolved as well, enabling healthcare professionals to help more people as much as they possibly can.

If your fever is above 38C for more than 2 days, you should consult with your doctor immediately. If you reached 40C, immediately contact your doctor and dont wait for other symptoms to show up. Its always important that you look out for your temperature especially when youre sick.

Lori Graham

Lori Graham is full-time blogger who writes articles about the developments in the healthcare industry. Lori aims to help her readers improve the quality of their lives by educating and encouraging the make the most out of the newest trends from the healthcare industry.

During her leisure, Lori loves to read books at home.

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The Evolution Of Taking Someone's Temperature - HealthTechZone