In a world affected by Coronavirus, one of the handy and essential tools is an infrared thermometer.
It is a useful instrument to measure body temperature without having to touch or even come extremely close.
What makes them effective is that they will still give accurate readings without contact with the object that is measured.
Therefore, it is valuable in circumstances where a thermocouple or probe-type sensor cannot come in use.
This article discusses the hoe these thermometers work, what are its benefits and how to use them. Keep reading below to know about this lately common medical instrument.
What is an Infrared Thermometer?
Technically, this thermometer is a sensor that has a lens which focuses the infrared energy on a detector.
This further converts the energy into an electrical signal.
That shows in the form of digits, the reading that is displayed as units of temerpature, after compensating for ambient temperature variation.
The infrared waves from the sensor determine the body temperature.
It is invisible to humans because of its wavelength being longer than visible light.
However, these thermometers provide a non-contact temperature measurement. So, they are called non-contact thermometers.
You must be wondering, how do the rays gather a measurement without making any contact?
Let’s know below!
How does it work?
Every object emits energy which is in the form of heat.
As heat emits from the object or the body with a mass, the thermometer gauges the temperature measurement by using the difference between the rays from the surrounding environment and the IR rays coming from the objects.
The focus is on the light emerging from the object and then further channels into a detector.
That detector is a thermopile.
Now inside this detector, the infrared radiation first turns into heat and then into electricity.
This is the measurable reading.
The amount of electrical energy that generates by rays the object emits equals to the reading on the display.
Th reading is usually available in a matter of seconds.
Hence, these thermometers are among the quickest to get a temperature reading.
Plus, they are non-contact so they come in handy in situations like the coronovairus pandemic.
They can also be used in situations such as:
- The object is in an EM field for instance induction heating
- Object is in a vacuum or controlled space
- Object is moving
- Applications where there is a need for a fast response
Uses
There are several other places where you can use an infrared thermometer.
For instance, industrial workers can check the temperature of the boiler room before they enter inside.
Moreover, with the sudden rise in Covid-19, the use of the thermometer helps not only the doctors, nurses and front line workers, but also people diagnosed and getting treated at home.
In the case of getting the coronavirus, the essential worker or the caretaker of the patient can check their temeprature from at least a distance of 1 meter.
Therefore, they can inhibit contact and maintain their safe distance in order to not get the virus.
It is important to protect the frontline workers in crisis and by using this thermometer, the risk is minimzied.
Besides that, there are also essential workers such as guards at the hospitals or stores can keep the infection under control by checking the temperature of everyone entering inside.
They are the first ones to come in contact with patrons, patients and generally people entering a site.
Hence, they can intervene by not allowing people who are at risk of being contagious.
Whereas those who manage to have a temperature within the normal range can make their entry.
That will be around 97 to 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
A unique use of the thermometer can be in cooking.
While it is not so commonplace, it can give the chefs or even home cooks another way to check the temperature of what they cook.
All of this can also translated back to activities at home.
For instance, you can check the temperature of milk before feeding ti to your child.
The same can be done for grilling meat to know when it is properly cooked at the right temperature and also for checking the temperature of hot water.
Infrared Thermometer Benefits
Cost Effective
This medical instrument comes with several features that extend its usability beyond the medical field.
For instance, it has built in resistance to heat and water.
Moreover, it has a low-battery indicator.
Besides these, various functions and provisions are present in a single device.
Hence, making the device effective for several purposes.
Thus, why it is cost-effective and affordable.
Memory Function
Speaking of functionality, new infrared thermometer devices contain a memory function.
This allows you to store several readings at once as the name suggests- the function is for memory and storage.
Hence, you do not have to write down measurements if you are checking the temperature often.
Durability
The heat and water resistance as well as other function of this instrument make it tough enough to endure harsh conditions.
Pair that with its easy functionality and it is a good tool for fulfilling the demands of extensive work in job sites, hospitals and workshops.
Avoids Contamination
This benefit is important in food service as well as in the medical industry such as hospitals and clinics.
After all, not having any contact will prevent contamination from one object to another.
Traditional thermters for checking body temperature may go inside the mouth or under the arm in the armpit region.
While hospitals may follow an infection control protocol, there can be discrepancies resulting in contamination.
Moreover, the staff will have to meticulously sterilize all the thermometers using a sterilization machine in order to reduce the probability of spread of disease.
When there is no contact and the thermometer does not touch the object, the probe of thermometer is not contaminated.
Thus, using an infrared thermometer, reduces the need of ensuring that it meets the sterilization criteria before you use it again.
Find out more benefits below!
Other Benefits
Gives Fast Readings
Getting precise and accurate reading is important for a temperature measurement.
However, it is also crucial to get faster results.
The reading should be accurate as well as delivered in the shortest time possible.
After all, settings that use the thermometer such as hospitals and clinics, usually have to cater to many patients.
Similarly, a guard in front of a mall also has to cater to a long queue. Thus, getting fast readings without a contact is a huge benefit.
The conventional mercury thermometer would usually take longer to check a person and then the reading to come.
On the other hand, infrared rays and technology give a rather instant reading that you can trust.
Speaking of trust…
Provides Accurate Readings
The infrared technology in the thermometers is simple to understand and use but these thermometers are technologically advanced than conventional mercury ones.
The thermometer gathers the reading by the difference between the rays of the environment and the infrared rays coming from an object with a mass.
Hence, if you need an accurate measurement of the temperature, this is a reliable device to use.
Safety of Use
Not only is there no contamination, you can also prevent safety risks while using this thermometer.
This means that there is no need to make direct contact when you are taking the temperature of any hot item.
No need to place a another piece of equipment on the hot surface or use your hand, rather aiming the thermometer from a safe distance will be enough.
This will give you an accurate measurement without having to risk your safety.
Accessible
The display area of the thermometer comes shows a reading in a large font.
Hence, it more accessible than the conventional mercury thermometers in making the reading accessible.
Types
When you think of an infrared thermometer it is natural to only think of the handheld gun because that is the most common these days.
However, there are several other types including fixed mount and pocket.
- Handheld thermometer gun: This infrared laser gun thermometer usuaaly comes in use for portable applications. However, you can also mount it on an integral tripod.
- Fixed Mount IR thermometer: This is common industrial processes where the thermometer needs to be in a stationary position. Hence, they will be mounted in one place.
- Pocket IR thermometers: These are an even more compact version than a handheld thermometer gun. As the name suggests, this is small enough to fit in a pocket.
- Infrared Thermocouple: This is a small infrared sensor. It is low cost and it is self powered that produces an output like a thermocouple sensor.
- Two-color ration thermometry: This device measures the infrared energy from the objects at tw wavelengths instead of measuring the absolute energy at one wavelength. This is a sensor which gives the measurement independently of emissivity.
Finally,
If you need an infrared thermometer for your home use, then a handheld laser thermometer will be enough.
However, for any medical or professional purposes you may choose one that suits your needs the best.
At Engiomed Medical Equipment and Trading L.L.C. you can purchase this and many other medical supplies. Have a look at our shop for more information.
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