A clinical thermometer is an essential medical tool used to measure body temperature accurately. Whether you’re checking for a fever, monitoring recovery from an illness, or just want to stay on top of your health, this simple yet powerful device gives fast and reliable readings. The clinical thermometer is widely used at home, in clinics, and in hospitals around the world.
What Is a Clinical Thermometer Used For?
The main use of a clinical thermometer is to measure body temperature, which helps detect fever, which is a common sign of infection or illness. Doctors, nurses, and parents use it to track temperature changes and determine whether medical attention is needed.
Clinical thermometers are especially important during flu season, outbreaks like COVID-19, or when monitoring chronic health conditions that cause temperature fluctuations.
What Is It Made Of?
Traditional clinical thermometers are made up of mercury sealed in a narrow glass tube. However, due to safety concerns, modern versions often use alcohol-based or digital components instead of mercury. Digital thermometers have electronic sensors and screens, while infrared versions use light sensors to read temperature without contact.
How Does a Clinical Thermometer Work?
A clinical thermometer works by detecting the heat from your body and converting it into a temperature reading. When placed under the tongue, armpit, or inside the ear (depending on the type), the device senses the temperature of the body tissue. The liquid inside the thermometer expands and rises in a glass thermometer, or a digital sensor calculates and displays the temperature on a screen.
How Fast Does It Work?
Digital and infrared thermometers give results in under 30 seconds.
Traditional glass thermometers may take up to 5 minutes for a reliable reading.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Clinical thermometers are generally safe.
- Mercury thermometers can be dangerous if broken, as mercury is toxic.
- Poor hygiene (like not cleaning after use) can lead to infections.
- Using the thermometer incorrectly can give inaccurate results.
- To stay safe, opt for digital or infrared models, especially for children or elderly users.
Where can you buy a Clinical Thermometer in Nigeria?
Buy Clinical Thermometer online at Drugstore.ng, Nigeria’s largest online pharmacy store
