Oral thermometers

Oral thermometers are the most common type of thermometer. They work by measuring the heat flow from the body to the environment. The heat flow is affected by the temperature of the body and the surrounding air. The digital oral thermometer contains a sensor that measures the heat flow and converts it into a temperature reading.

Most oral thermometers are made of glass or plastic. They have a metal tip that contains the sensor. The tip is placed in the mouth under the tongue for about 60 seconds to take a reading. They need to be sterilized every time you have to use them since they can be disease carriers very easily.

Temporal Thermometers

Temporal thermometers, otherwise called Forehead thermometers, are a quick and easy way to take your temperature. They are especially helpful for young children who may not be able to sit still long enough for a traditional oral thermometer.

Types of Temporal

Thermometers

There are two main types of forehead thermometers: those with infrared sensors and those with contact sensors. Infrared sensors measure the heat emanating from your forehead, while contact sensors measure the temperature of your skin.

Most forehead thermometers will give you a reading in just seconds, and many will also store previous readings so you can track your temperature over time. Some even have built-in fever warnings that will alert you if your temperature is elevated.

In this article, we use the Ankovo Thermometer as a reference to discuss how to best use the forehead thermometer.

Factors that can affect reading:

Since these forehead thermometers don't require physical contact, there are many extrinsic factors that can influence the ability of NCITs (non-contact infrared thermometers) to detect fever accurately, including:

Relative humidity

Significant perspiration

Positioning on forehead

Exposure to cold or hot weather before temperature measurement