Which is more accurate, ear thermometer or mercury thermometer?

Ear thermometer is a non-contact telemetering and temperature measuring instrument (although it may be less than one centimeter), which determines the body temperature by detecting the infrared spectrum emitted by the tympanic membrane (equivalent to the inferior colliculus).

The ear thermometer itself is allowed to have errors, generally 0.2℃ in the range of 36-39℃, and 0.3℃ when it is higher than 39℃ and lower than 36℃. When using, incorrect use will also bring additional errors. If there is a lot of earwax in the ear canal, it will bring errors. When measuring, because the ear thermometer blocks the ear hole, the temperature field in the ear hole will change, and the indicating value will also change if the measuring time is too long. When repeated measurement, if the measurement interval is not appropriate, the reading will be different each time.

Therefore, compared with the mercury thermometer, the accuracy of the ear thermometer is relatively poor, but from the convenience point of view, the ear thermometer is more convenient and sanitary, unlike the ordinary thermometer that will break and lead to mercury pollution.

When choosing an ear thermometer, it is best to choose a brand product with national mechanical certification, which has high accuracy and safety.