Liquid thermometers were invented a long time ago and may well be called "rare". Now there are many infrared and electronic devices that can measure temperature, but in the modern world there are lovers of this simple, morally obsolete, but at the same time extremely reliable measuring device, whose name is a mercury thermometer ...
This indispensable tool of any therapist works year after year for the benefit of our health. And it, if not sorry, knows how to let us down at the most inopportune moment. It was at this time that our hero entered the arena. We will say a few words about him and his closest modern brothers.
Mercury thermometer
Fairly accurate and simple device for measuring body temperature. It is a hermetically sealed glass flask with a capillary containing mercury. It has an interesting feature - maximum heating is marked by a mercury column, which in itself does not go down. For this he got his name "maximum." For "zeroing" it is necessary to shake it vigorously several times down. The mercury thermometer is respected due to its high accuracy (up to 0.1 degrees) of measurement, a wide range of methods of use and unlimited service life (under the right operating conditions). It also stands out for its low cost and ease of disinfection. The disadvantages include a rather high fragility and duration of measurement over time. And since poisonous mercury is used as a temperature indicator, it does not need to be explained what this means in combination with high fragility. At this point, the mercury thermometer is inferior to modern counterparts.
Electronic thermometer
Uses a sensitive sensor that determines body temperature. Very easy to use. The result appears on the display for a fairly short period of time. Typically, the device takes measurements in a variety of temperature scales, but has a rather capricious mechanism and, when it comes to low-cost models, it is difficult to disinfect. Batteries require replacement, and the device itself does not have the lowest price.
Infrared thermometer
It uses the principle of analysis of infrared radiation of the human body, the result of which is displayed on the display in the usual format. It has all the advantages of an electronic thermometer, but the detection speed is much higher and there is the possibility of non-contact use. The latter option is quite valuable when it comes to children or sleeping patients. At the same time, it has a number of disadvantages that cannot be ignored:
- high error;
- the impossibility of measuring in certain places;
- regular verification is required;
- inaccuracies in ear infections or emotional outbursts;
- high price.
If you can buy an ordinary mercury thermometer at any pharmacy, then electronic is better to get in specialized stores. This will allow you to get the quality that you expect from such a device.