Thermometers
In 2002, the US National Senate imposed a national ban on mercury thermometers. Due to safety and ease of use, digital thermometers are now the norm. Digital thermometers give a closer reading than mercury (not necessarily more accurate) and are safer to use.
Digital thermometers also carry the following features:
- memory of past readings
- more compact design
- large display for easy readingn
- glow light for night time readings
- shorter measuring time and
- sound alarms indicating reading
Digital thermometers measure temperature in Celsius and Fahrenheit. They come in three kinds:
- ear thermometers
- oral thermometers and
- clinical thermometers
Aside from first aid requirements, thermometers can be convenient for other uses such as helping women monitor their menstrual cycles. It is important to use sanitary seals with your thermometer in order to maintain sterility.
Calibration
One poorly known aspect of digital thermometers is that they can go out of calibration. They need to be checked every six months to be recalibrated for accuracy.
Noteworthy first aid thermometer products
- A number of companies produce digital thermometers with short readout times (often under five seconds). These are very advantageous when dealing with ill, uncomfortable children or other patients.
- Lumiscope Babytherm Pacifier Digital Fever Thermometer is an excellent design innovationa thermometer shaped like a soother.
- The most expensive thermometer is a thermoscan. Designed for accurate readings up to 107 degrees, it comes with a three year warranty.
- Consumers roundly acclaim the BD Basal Body Digital Thermometer for its accurate readings, ease of use and other practical features.
Did you know?
Mercury thermometers still count as the single largest source of mercury poison. In the US alone, it results in 17 tons of mercury dumping per year.
