Liquid thermometers were invented a long time ago and can already be called "rare". Now there are many infrared and electronic devices capable of measuring temperature, but in the modern world there are lovers of this simple, 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 he alth. And it is not a pity, knows how to let us down at the most inopportune moment. It was at this time that our hero entered the arena. Let's tell a few words about him and his closest modern brothers.
Mercury thermometer
Sufficiently 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 - the maximum heating is marked by a mercury column, which by itself will not come down. For this, he received his name "maximum". To "zero" it is necessary to shake it vigorously with the flask down several times. The mercury thermometer enjoys well-deserved respect due to its high measurement accuracy (up to 0.1 degrees), a wide range ofways of use and an unlimited service life (under the right operating conditions). It also stands out for its low cost and ease of disinfection. The disadvantages include rather high fragility and duration of measurement over time. And since poisonous mercury is used as a temperature indicator, there is no need to explain 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 detects body temperature. Very easy to use. The result appears on the display in a fairly short period of time. Typically, the device takes measurements in a wide variety of temperature scales, but it has a rather capricious mechanism and, when it comes to inexpensive models, is difficult to disinfect. Batteries require replacement, and the device itself is not the cheapest.
Infrared thermometer
Uses the principle of analyzing the infrared radiation of the human body, the result of which is displayed on the display in a familiar format. It has all the advantages of an electronic thermometer, but the detection speed is much higher and it becomes possible to use it without contact. The latter possibility 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;
- impossibility of measuring in certainplaces;
- regular checks required;
- inaccuracies in ear infections or emotional outbursts;
- high cost.
If you can buy an ordinary mercury thermometer at any pharmacy, then it is better to buy electronic ones in specialized stores. This will allow you to get the quality you expect from such a device.
