Classic Thermometers

Conventional thermometers: the classic way to measure temperature

Classic (or conventional) thermometers can be digital or analogue. They are reliable instruments for measuring body temperature at the doctor’s office, hospital, or your own home. On this page, you will find a short summary on the different types of classic thermometers to help you decide which model to buy.

Digital thermometers

Every health facility should have conventional, digital thermometers – we can all agree on that. They help you measure your patient’s body temperature in seconds by placing them in their mouth, armpit or rectum. Results are normally available after between 10 and 40 seconds, depending on the exact thermometer. Many instruments can save up the measured values, so you can track the patient’s temperature over time.

Digital thermometers have, as opposed to analogue ones, a small screen on them where you can read the result. They also emit an acoustic signal once they have successfully measured the temperature. These make them the ideal little helpers in hospitals and doctor’s clinics.

But you can, of course, also use them at home! Read the instructions carefully and make sure to contact a doctor if you have a fever for more than 2 days.

Analogue (glass) thermometers

Glass clinical thermometers are not that common any more. Still, they have a lot to offer. They are:

• easy to clean
• waterproof
• particularly suitable for those with allergies
• really durable (they last for a lifetime!)

Did you know? Most analogue glass thermometers function with liquid expansion. It is important that the liquid spreads out evenly. In the past, toxic mercury was used, but nowadays, there are alternatives, like for example coloured alcohol. When the temperature in the thermometer increases, the liquids expand out.

Classic or electronic thermometer?

The most common type of thermometer nowadays are classic thermometer. However, electronic ones (like infrared clinical thermometers) are getting more and more popular every day. They have many advantages, like being non-contact/low-contact and therefore particularly hygienic. But your choice should depend on what exact situation you will be using the instrument on.