You need to remember the following points to select the best digital thermometer.
Accuracy of readings is the most important factor irrespective of other features of a digital thermometer. A digital thermometer may be packed with a host of features, but if the readings are not accurate, it is of no use. Thus, there should be no compromise when it comes to the accuracy of the readings.
A good quality digital thermometer gives an accurate reading within 10 seconds. Fast digital thermometers do not require the patient to stay motionless for a long period of time. This is beneficial because you often need to take the temperature again because the thermometer slipped due to motion. The beep feature when the reading has been recorded is also a desirable feature in digital thermometers.
The age of the patient determines the suitable type of digital thermometer with respect to the testing location. For children aged 3 or less, rectal digital thermometers are recommended by doctors. Other types of digital thermometers such as oral, ear, or forehead thermometers are suitable for older children and adults.
Modern no contact digital thermometers are also available in the market. Such thermometers use infrared to measure the temperature. All one needs to do is point the thermometer towards the patient’s forehead, usually at a distance of 5 cm. No contact digital thermometers are considered highly suitable for small children.
A digital thermometer that stores previous readings in its memory is suitable especially for people who need to keep a track of their body temperature for a long period of time. Digital thermometers can store 20-30 temperature readings. Thus, there is no need to physically document the temperature.
Comparing temperature readings taken on multiple days is also very simple. There are also smart digital thermometers in the market. Smart digital thermometers connect with mobile apps to store a huge database of past temperature readings.
Digital thermometers have an abundance of features. There are some important features that one needs to look for in digital thermometers to get value for money.
- Long battery life ensures that there is no need to change batteries frequently.
- The auto-shutoff feature turns off the thermometer automatically after use. This saves battery even when you forget to switch it off.
- Fever alert is a color coded alert that is triggered when the high temperature is recorded. The alert leaves no room for doubt that the person is suffering from fever.
- The backlit display enables you to view the temperature reading even in pitch darkness.
The digital thermometer should be safe to use, especially if it is for a baby. It should not cause injuries or any other kind of harm to children when left unsupervised.
Digital thermometers which contact the body needs to be cleaned after use. It is better to select a digital thermometer that is easy to clean. Cleaning must be done as per the directions given in the instructions manual.
The price of a digital thermometer depends upon its features. You need to strike a balance between the features you need and your budget to get the best deal.
Types of Best Digital Thermometer for Fever in India:
Digital Thermometer for ForeheadThese kinds of thermometers records heat with the help of infrared. The thermometer takes reading from the temporal artery when the thermometer is placed on it. Buy the best forehead thermometer to get the best results.
- Digital Thermometer for the Ears
These thermometers are placed in the ear and are ideal for taking temperatures of babies. However, if the ear is dirty, the reading can be incorrect.
These thermometers are placed in the underarm region, and the temperature is recorded.
Babies with the age of more than three months or more are the ideal patients for the usage of pacifier thermometers. Again, the reading with these can be inaccurate as babies can’t be still for long.
How to Use Digital Thermometers?
Almost all digital thermometers like Omron mc 246 digital thermometers are no contact thermometers. Using digital thermometers is easier than using the mercury one as the readings could be complicated for some. Turn on the thermometers using the power button and take it closer to your body.
Digital thermometers use infrared light or heat sensors to record temperatures. The most accurate readings are recorded through the rectum or the mouth. When you place the digital thermometer on the said body part, it will make a sound to alert the user that the reading is taken.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Is it safe to wash a digital thermometer?
The digital thermometer’s tip is safe to wash and can be rinsed too. If not so, one can use a clean piece of cloth dipped in alcohol to wipe it.
2) What can be done to disinfect oral thermometers?
A clean cloth dipped in alcohol can disinfect the oral thermometer. Alcohol wipes come handy for this purpose. After you use the alcohol wipe, let it dry. Then you can wash the thermometer in cold water before using it again.
Conclusion
These are the top 10 digital thermometers in India, do check them out. Just remember that a digital thermometer will provide you with an accurate reading and within seconds. But one of the reasons that you may want to opt for one rather than go in for a conventional one is that digital thermometers do not contain any toxic substances such as mercury.
Do check out the various thermometers listed above and choose one that seems to be a good fit.