Whether you are expecting your first child or getting ready to send one off to college, it is important to have a home thermometer. A thermometer is the most basic health screening device you can have to determine if you or your child needs to see a doctor. What is the best thermometer for home use? Here are some tips from a pharmacist on how to choose the right thermometer for your home.
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Disclaimer: This article is intended to help you choose the right thermometer for home use, the intent is not to help you determine if your family member has a fever that needs medical attention. If you are looking for that information I’d recommend this site.
What are the different types of thermometers?
- Digital temporal thermometer – These are available in contact and contactless.
- Digital tympanic thermometer – Require some skill, but can be used in anyone over 6 months old.
- Digital multi-use thermometer – Can be used for all ages, the rectal route is most accurate for infants. Can be used orally, rectally, or under the arm.
- Mercury thermometer – Should be disposed of due to toxicity. For safe disposal check out this site.
- Pacifier thermometer – Not recommended due to low accuracy.
- Forehead strip thermometer – This is the type often found in first aid kits. Decent for screening, but also not recommended due to low accuracy.
Which thermometer is most accurate?
The digital rectal thermometer is most accurate for infants and toddlers.
A digital oral thermometer and the digital tympanic thermometer are also accurate if used properly. The digital oral thermometer must be kept under the tongue inside a closed mouth until it beeps. This is why itis not recommended for younger children who may not keep it under their tongue and may not be able to follow directions to keep their mouth closed.
The digital temporal thermometer is considered an acceptable alternative for screening for fever. Some studies have shown that it could be off by 1 degree F.
Which thermometer is best for home use?
Digital Temporal thermometer
The Digital temporal thermometer is recommended for all ages.
Pros:
- Easy to use – always follow manufacturer specific instructions for where to point it and how far away from the forehead you should hold it.
- Non-invasive – Some models even have a quiet mode, so you can use it while your child is sleeping.
- Other uses – You can use some models to measure the temperature of bath water and food.
Cons:
- May not be as accurate as the rectal, tympanic or oral route depending on the age of the child. It is still a great screening tool. You could always repeat with another more accurate method.
- Outside weather conditions can affect the reading, so you should wait at least 15 minutes after being outside in hot or cold conditions before taking a temperature.
- Anything on the forehead, including sweat can affect the reading.
- Cost – Although the price has come down quite a bit, these thermometers are more expensive than the digital multi-use thermometers.
- User error – Make sure you follow the manufacturer specific instructions.
Digital Tympanic thermometer
The Digital tympanic thermometer is recommended for anyone over 6 months of age.
Pros:
- More accurate than a temporal thermometer if used properly
- Recommended in infants as young as 6 months
- Less invasive than a rectal thermometer
Cons:
- Cost – This is the most expensive digital thermometer.
- Requires a disposable plastic probe cover for each use.
- Ear wax can interfere with the reading.
- Outside weather conditions can affect the reading, so you should wait at least 15 minutes after being outside in hot or cold conditions before taking a temperature.
- Not recommended for babies under 6 months old.
- User error is possible. Make sure to read the instructions that come with thermometer.
Digital Multi-Use Thermometer
The Digital multi-use thermometer is recommended for all ages depending on route.
Pros:
- Cost: It is the least expensive option.
- Can be used orally, rectally or under the arm (axillary).
- It is the most accurate option for infants when used rectally. If you have an infant it is best to purchase one with a short probe to prevent over insertion.
Cons:
- Although inexpensive, you may need to purchase two if you plan to use one rectally. You should not use the same thermometer rectally and orally. If you use the thermometer rectally, it should remain a rectal use only thermometer. Label it, “for rectal use only”.
- The oral route is only accurate over age 4.
- You could get an inaccurate reading orally if the person is so congested they have to breath through their mouth. The mouth must remain closed.
- You should wait at least 15 minutes after consuming hot or cold beverages before taking an oral temperature.
- The axillary route is not as accurate.
- The rectal route requires a lubricant such as petroleum jelly
What thermometer is best based on age of family members?
Birth to 6 months: A digital rectal thermometer. The rectal route is the most accurate in this age group. This thermometer has a stopper to ensure you will not insert it too deep. A Digital temporal thermometer is reasonable to use for screening in this age group. It is less accurate, but it is great for determining if you should take a rectal temperature. Some models can also be used to help parents measure safe food and bath water temperatures.
6 months to 3 years: A digital rectal thermometer. The rectal route is the most accurate in this age group. The second most accurate thermometer in this age group is the Digital tympanic thermometer. A Digital temporal thermometer is reasonable to use for screening in this age group.
Kids 4 and up: A Digital multi-use thermometer is really all you need if everyone in your family is over four years old. It would be nice to have an alternative for the younger children, since they may not be able to keep their mouth closed for an accurate reading if they are really congested. The Digital tympanic thermometer, is the next most accurate for this age group. A Digital temporal thermometer is reasonable to use for screening in this age group.
Adults: A Digital multi-use thermometer is really all you need if everyone in your family is an adult. Therefore, it is a great one to get when your teen leaves for college.
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