Choosing the right medical thermometer with Doctissimo and Les Numériques

Relying on its integrated and independent laboratory, and on a team of 45 passionate and rigorous employees, Les Numériques publishes more than 1,000 tests each year (mobility, photo, TV, video, audio, home, IT, leisure) in complete independence. To carry out tests on medical products, Les Numériques has teamed up with Doctissimo, backed by a team of medical journalists and a committee of experts comprising around forty healthcare professionals. A logical collaboration for these two media from the Unify group.

Choosing the right medical thermometer

Between classic thermometer (oral, rectal or axillary), ear thermometer or forehead thermometer, it is often hard to make a choice.

Digital interviewed Gérald Kierzek, medical director of Doctissimo on How to choose the right medical thermometer.

To help you in this process, Digital has created a test protocol to evaluate the different clinical thermometers. In a few weeks, the media dedicated to the digital world will offer on its site a comparison “including both classic electronic thermometers and infrared models with or without contact”.

On the strength of this comparison, Doctissimo will publish a complete guide to medical thermometers based on the expertise of the laboratory of Digital and the medical expertise of Doctissimo.

The different types of thermometer

There are several criteria to take into account when choosing a medical thermometer, especially to take a child’s temperature. Discover the different types of thermometer analyzed by Digital and Doctissimo.

• The classic thermometer (oral, rectal or axillary route): this type of thermometer is internal measurement. Of the three routes, the rectal route is the most reliable, but can be restrictive, especially for infants, since the measurement can take up to 3 minutes and generate discomfort.
• The ear thermometer : little intrusive (in the ear), it offers very good precision. The ear thermometer cannot, however, be used in the case of otitis and it should be ensured that no cerumen plug obstructs the auditory canal, otherwise the measurement could be distorted.
• The forehead/temporal thermometer : practical, it allows you to measure the temperature directly on the forehead or the temple, with or without contact. However, reliability is not always there, it is advisable to use another thermometer upstream, just in case.

More information to be found on the article How to choose the right medical thermometer.

Eventually, the collaboration Doctissimo x Digital will expand the list of connected health, in which the two media will join forces to offer you independent and expert information.