Hey there! As a supplier of infrared thermometers, I often get asked this question: “Which is better, a contact or non - contact infrared thermometer?” Well, let's dive right in and break it down.
First off, let's talk about contact infrared thermometers. These bad boys have been around for a while. They work by actually touching the surface whose temperature you want to measure. You've probably seen them used in medical settings, like when a doctor sticks a thermometer under your tongue or in your armpit.
One of the big advantages of contact thermometers is accuracy. When it comes to getting a really precise reading of body temperature, they're pretty hard to beat. They make direct contact with the body, so they can measure the core temperature more accurately. For example, if you're running a fever and you want to know exactly how high your temperature is, a contact thermometer can give you a reliable number.
Another plus is that they're relatively inexpensive. You can find a basic contact infrared thermometer at your local drugstore for a pretty reasonable price. They're also easy to use. You just place it in the right spot, wait for a few seconds, and you've got your reading.
However, contact thermometers also have their drawbacks. The biggest one is hygiene. Since they have to touch the body, they can easily spread germs from one person to another if not properly cleaned between uses. This is a major concern, especially in a medical or public setting. For instance, in a busy doctor's office, if the thermometer isn't disinfected correctly, it could potentially spread infections.
Also, they can be a bit uncomfortable. Let's face it, having a thermometer stuck under your tongue for a few minutes isn't the most pleasant experience. And for kids, it can be even more of a hassle. They might not sit still long enough to get an accurate reading.
Now, let's switch gears and talk about non - contact infrared thermometers. These are the new kids on the block, and they've become really popular, especially in recent times. Non - contact thermometers work by detecting the infrared energy emitted by the body without actually touching it. You just point it at the forehead or another body part, press a button, and within seconds, you get a temperature reading.
One of the main advantages of non - contact thermometers is speed. You can get a reading in just a few seconds, which is great for quickly screening a large number of people. For example, at an airport or a school, non - contact thermometers can be used to quickly check the temperatures of everyone coming in and identify anyone with a fever.
Hygiene is another big plus. Since they don't touch the body, there's no risk of spreading germs. This makes them ideal for use in public places, hospitals, and other high - traffic areas. You can use them on multiple people without having to worry about cleaning them between each use.
They're also very convenient. You don't have to worry about positioning them correctly or waiting for a long time to get a reading. They're especially useful for kids, who might not cooperate with a contact thermometer. You can just quickly take their temperature without any fuss.
But non - contact thermometers aren't perfect either. One of the main issues is accuracy. While they've gotten a lot better over the years, they're still not as accurate as contact thermometers in some cases. Factors like the distance from the body, the ambient temperature, and the presence of sweat or hair can affect the reading. For example, if you're using a non - contact thermometer on a person who's been outside in the cold, the reading might be lower than their actual body temperature.
Another drawback is the cost. Non - contact thermometers tend to be more expensive than contact thermometers. The technology behind them is more complex, which drives up the price.
So, which one is better? Well, it really depends on your needs. If you're looking for the most accurate reading and you're using the thermometer in a private setting, like at home, a contact thermometer might be the way to go. But if you need to quickly screen a lot of people or you're concerned about hygiene, a non - contact thermometer is probably a better choice.
At our company, we offer a wide range of both contact and non - contact infrared thermometers. For example, we have the Infrared Thermometer Body Digital Electronic Thermometer Multi-purpose Non - contact Forehead Measure Temperature Gun. This non - contact thermometer is great for quickly taking temperatures and is very easy to use.
We also have the Blood Oxygen Monitor And Infrared Thermometer And Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor Family Package. This package is perfect for families who want to keep track of their health. It includes a non - contact thermometer along with other useful health monitoring devices.
And if you're looking for a more basic option, we have the Infrared Thermometer Temperature Gun. This is a great non - contact thermometer for both adults and kids.
If you're interested in purchasing any of our infrared thermometers or have any questions about which one is right for you, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you make the best choice for your needs. Whether you're a healthcare provider, a school administrator, or just someone looking to keep their family healthy, we've got the perfect thermometer for you.
Let's work together to ensure that you have the right tools to monitor temperatures accurately and safely. Contact us today to start the conversation about your infrared thermometer needs.
References
- Medical Device Technology Journal: Articles on the accuracy and usability of contact and non - contact infrared thermometers.
- World Health Organization Guidelines: Information on hygiene and temperature screening in public and medical settings.