Types of Thermometers

📚 Key Concepts

🔹 Clinical Thermometer

Used for measuring human body temperature

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Features:

  • Digital display (easier to read)
  • Battery operated
  • Non-toxic (replaced mercury thermometers)
  • Range: 35°C to 42°C typically

How to Use:

  1. Wash hands and thermometer tip
  2. Reset the thermometer
  3. Place under tongue, close mouth
  4. Wait for beep/flash
  5. Read temperature
  6. Clean after use

Normal Body Temperature: 37.0°C (98.6°F)

🔹 Laboratory Thermometer

Used for general temperature measurements

Features:

  • Glass tube with liquid (alcohol/mercury)
  • Wider range: -10°C to 110°C typically
  • Bulb contains the liquid
  • Scale marked along the tube

How to Use:

  • Immerse bulb completely in substance
  • Hold vertically (don’t tilt)
  • Don’t touch bottom/sides of container
  • Read while immersed
  • Eye level should match liquid level