Types of thermometers and accuracy
Based on the study published in Biology (PMC8698704), there are 3 main types of thermometers. The study performed by Mah AJ et al., (2021) elaborates on the findings regarding accuracy and reliability.
Option 1: Professional & Research-Focused
Headline: Science-Backed Accuracy: Which Thermometer Performs Best? A recent clinical study published in the journal Biology (PMC8698704) evaluated seven different types of commercially available thermometers against the hospital “gold standard.” The research aimed to identify which consumer device most accurately tracks core body temperature—a vital indicator for early diagnosis of viral infections.
The Results:
- The Winner: The Infrared Tympanic (Ear) Thermometer was the only consumer device that showed no significant difference from medical-grade equipment, with a mean error of just 0.044°C.
- Key Insight: While forehead and temporal scanners offer convenience and non-contact use, the study found that tympanic thermometers provide the most reliable data for regular health self-assessment.
- Why it Matters: Accurate readings are essential for detecting low-grade fevers early, helping to slow the spread of illnesses like COVID-19 and the flu.
Option 2: Consumer-Friendly & Action-Oriented
Not All Thermometers Are Created Equal—Here is What the Science Says When it comes to your family’s health, accuracy is everything. A study hosted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) compared common household thermometers—including forehead, ear, and oral models—to see which one you can trust most.
What the study found:
- Tympanic (Ear) Thermometers emerged as the most accurate commercially available option for measuring core body temperature.
- Forehead and Thermal cameras are great for quick, non-contact screenings, but for precise health monitoring, the ear is the superior site.
- Oral (Sublingual) Digital thermometers remain a solid, affordable choice, though they require more careful placement than ear models.
Shop our selection of Science-Validated Tympanic Thermometers today for peace of mind.
Source: Mah AJ, et al. “Studying the Accuracy and Function of Different Thermometry Techniques for Measuring Body Temperature.” Biology (Basel). 2021.