Fever thermometer
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What are the different types of thermometers and how do they differ?
Classic medical
thermometer – tried-and-tested measurement method
Pen-type thermometers are the traditional method of measuring body temperature.
They are placed under the tongue, in the armpit, or in the rear passage, and
they deliver results within seconds. This method is very accurate.
Ear thermometer – precise and fast
Ear thermometers measure the body temperature from within the ear. They are very accurate and deliver results within seconds. Ear thermometers are particularly suitable for children, as they are not uncomfortable and work quickly.
Infrared
thermometer – rapid and no contact required
Infrared thermometers are non-contact thermometers that can be used to measure
body temperature without touching the skin. They are simply held close to the
forehead and the results are displayed within seconds.
Beurer tips – Forehead measurement
- Physical activity, increased perspiration, taking vasoconstrictive medication, and skin irritations can distort the measurement, meaning that the forehead and the temples must be free of perspiration and cosmetics.
- We recommend that you take three measurements on the forehead. If the three measurements are different, use the highest value.
- If the forehead area is covered in hair, sweat, or dirt, clean the area and then wait for 10 minutes to improve the precision of the measurement.
- It is important that you keep the thermometer still during measurement. Moving the thermometer during measurement may cause inaccurate measurements.
What is the most accurate way to measure body temperature?
Temperature measurement in the rear passage (rectal): this measurement method is the most reliable and accurate. Carefully insert the tip of the thermometer 2–3 cm into the rear passage.
Temperature measurement in the oral cavity (oral): this measurement method is slightly less reliable than in the rear passage, but still ensures good results. Insert the tip of the thermometer into one of the two heat pockets under the tongue or next to the root of the tongue.
Temperature measurement under the armpit (axillary): in the case of a classic medical thermometer, this measurement method is the most inaccurate and therefore cannot be recommended from a medical point of view.
Temperature measurement in the ear: the ear reflects your core body temperature, making it a good spot for measuring. Changes in the body’s core temperature are usually quickly detected in the eardrum. For the measurement to work properly, it is important that the beam of the thermometer is directed at the eardrum.
Temperature measurement on the forehead: this measurement method measures the temperature on the temple at a distance of approx. 2–3 cm from the forehead, depending on the device, and offers slightly lower measurement accuracy compared to the ear and pen-type thermometer.
What is the normal temperature range for using different thermometers?
How do I know if I have a fever?
Fever can be a sign that your body is trying to fight off an infection or illness. So it’s important to pay attention to your symptoms.
Signs of fever:
- Raised body temperature
- Shivering and chills
- Sweating
- Muscle and joint pain
- Fatigue
- Irritability and discomfort
These signs may also be present if you are suffering from other illnesses or conditions, so it is advisable that you find out the exact cause.
What are the factors that influence body temperature?
Body temperature is a key indicator of well-being. There are a variety of factors that can influence body temperature.
- A person’s individual metabolism
- Age: body temperature is higher in infants and toddlers than it is in adults. Normal body temperature decreases with age
- Time of day: body temperature is lower in the morning and increases throughout the day towards the evening
- Activity: physical and, to a lesser extent, mental activities increase body temperature
- Clothing
- Ambient temperature
- Hormonal fluctuations
What are the possible causes of a raised body temperature?
A raised body temperature can happen for a variety of reasons:
- Infections: a bacterial or viral infection can cause fever.
- Inflammation: inflammation in the body, such as in rheumatic disease, may also cause fever.
- Injuries: severe injuries or burns can also cause an increase in body temperature.
- Medication: certain medications, such as antidepressants or antibiotics, may cause raised body temperature in some people.
- Hormonal disorders: hormonal disorders, such as hyperthyroidism, may also result in fever.
- Autoimmune disorders: autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, may also cause fever.
Beurer thermometer – state-of-the-art technology for maximum convenience
A medical thermometer is an important tool for any home. Beurer offers a wide range of thermometers, all offering state-of-the-art technology and maximum convenience. Whether you choose an infrared thermometer, an ear thermometer, or a classic pen-type thermometer depends on your needs.
Beurer tip:
Most of our Beurer medical thermometers can also measure the surface temperature of objects and the current room temperature.