A Review on Various Types of Clinical Thermometers with Respect to Technological Advancements, Pros and Cons, and Accuracy as Crucial Diagnostic Devices

Abstract

Clinical thermometers are considered to bethe most important diagnostic devices in diagnosis of any febrile disorders. The last two decades have witnessed major changes in the clinical thermometry technology after the introduction of various types of modified thermometer for convenient diagnosis. Mercury thermometer stands up as the gold standard method for assessment of body temperature, but they are gradually getting replaced with newer devices that not only offer faster readings but inconvenience to the patients is also minimalized. This review focuses on accuracy, pros and cons of gold standard mercury-in-glass thermometer, and also various technologically advanced thermometers like electronic digital thermometer, tympanic thermometer, non-contact infrared thermometer, liquid crystal skin thermometer, pacifier thermometer, and smart thermometer. Various studies suggest that different factors can cause variation in the accuracy provided by such devices, like physical barriers, and calibration, including the manner in which they are used. The review does not conclude that a particular clinical thermometer has better accuracy and reliability than the other. Rather, there were contradictory findings for all of the clinical thermometers evaluated.