Category
Diagnostic
Typical Use
Measure body temperature.
Description
A handheld electronic device used to measure core or peripheral body temperature via oral, axillary, or rectal routes, providing a numeric digital readout within seconds to minutes. Modern digital thermometers use thermistors or thermocouples to convert temperature into an electrical signal and are more accurate and faster than older mercury devices. They are used in outpatient clinics, hospitals, and home settings to detect fever, monitor response to antipyretics, and screen for infection. Proper placement, route selection, and device calibration are necessary for reliable measurements and interpretation in clinical decision making.