In the past, medical clinicians checked for fevers by feeling the patient's forehead. Not very accurate, but if someone felt warm, they could initiate treatment with white willow bark tea (which has the same active ingredient as aspirin) or leeches. The next development in temperature taking was the mercury thermometer. While fairly accurate, they were risky to use because of the glass. Thanks to modern technology, thermometers are now much safer and more accurate.

   From library.rehabmart.com
 
For example, the 8-Second Waterproof Digital Thermometers give temperature readings accurate to within 2/10ths of a degree. Features include a Nite-Glo supersized display for easy reading, even by someone with low vision; a fever alarm for temperatures over 100 F.; the ability to recall the last temperature reading; and an auto shut-off. It also comes with five probe covers and a storage case.

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The flexible-tipped Zoo temps Digital Thermometers make taking a child's temperature a little easier. They come in a set of five, and children are sure to feel a little better when they see the fun animal shapes and bright colors. Medical personnel will appreciate the large digital display that can show the  child's temperature in either Celsius or Fahrenheit. They give a reading that's accurate to 2/10ths of a degree in a mere twenty seconds.

   From library.rehabmart.com
 
In just six to ten seconds, the Instant Read Digital Temple Thermometer registers the patient's temperature and lets the user know when it's done with a beep. It has a large readout and a memory function to remind the clinician of the results of the last reading. It goes against the temple and reads the patient's temperature with the help of sensors that measure the heat flow from the blood vessels to the skin's surface, circumventing the need for more awkward and invasive methods of temperature taking. 


   From library.rehabmart.com

FeverScan Desposable Thermometer Strips use liquid crystal technology to display a patient's temperature anywhere between 94.6 to 104.6 degrees Fahrenheit. To use, simply apply the latex-free strip to the patient's forehead. Its adhesive backing holds it in place until a reading registers. They are disposable and come in boxes of 100 or cases of 500.

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Sometimes in an extremely young or old patient, or one with a medical issue that prevents him or her from holding a thermometer in his or her mouth or armpit or precluding an accurate reading, it becomes necessary to monitor the person's temperature rectally.The NexTemp Plus-Rectal Latex Free Clinical Thermometer comes with a sheath to facilitate insertion into the rectum.  They are intended for single use and read temperatures from 96 to 104.8 degrees Fahrenheit. Versions that read in Celsius are available as well. They come in boxes of 50 and can be ordered in quantities suitable for any institution.

 
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Speed counts in many situations. The Filac Filac FasTemp Thermometer  can get an oral reading in four seconds and axillary or rectal reading in ten seconds. Advanced sensing technologies are used to search for trends that correlate  to the patient's body size, allowing for speed and accuracy in reading temperatures. It comes with a reusable sheath for the stick that goes into the patient's mouth or armpit,  a 30-second timer for pulse measurements, and hardware for wall mounting.

While no one really likes having their temperature taken, today's thermometers get the job done quickly, safely, and with a minimum of discomfort for all.


Fran Jablway,
Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO