Which Thermometer Do You Use And Why?

[jnemartin, BSN, RN]

My thermometer has not been giving accurate readings. I bought a replacement and it was even worse! (I took my own temp several times, using all the different modes, and it was significantly different each time). Which one do you all recommend??

[ihavealltheice]

welch allyn oral thermometer. I don't trust the accuracy of temporal scanners or ear thermometers.

[BrisketRN, BSN, RN]

I use the Braun ThermoScan 5. It's tympanic. It was here when I got here in 2017 and still working. I buy the covers in bulk from MacGill or Amazon.

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

I have a vera temp (scanning) for the kids that are malingering a bit and just need to know that magic number for peace of mind. (i was going through a ton of probe covers - this seemed like a reasonable solution) I also have a thermoscan pro 6000 for the sickies and to verify the veratemp if need be.

[CanIcallmymom, BSN, RN]

I love a tympanic thermometer (don't have to worry about kids drinking right before assessment). But I use a WelchAllyn oral thermometer, and I love it too.

[k1p1ssk, BSN, RN]

Rectal temps all day every day... PRevents the teachers from sending down kids for unnecessary temp checks ...

BUT IN ALL SERIOUSNESS - Welch Allyn Oral Thermometer all the way!

I have a temporal one that I'll use if a kid won't tolerate oral or axillary, but in general I don't trust it very much. Especially if they're coming in from recess or gym.

[KeeperOfTheIceRN, ADN]

WelchAllyn SureTemp Plus. Its been the most accurate and consistent thermometer I've used

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

Exergen Temporal Scanner, Professional model. Backup is a simple digital oral thermometer I use when a temporal makes me think, so to speak, but I find this temporal thermometer great in 90% of circumstances.

[aprilmoss]

On 2/13/2020 at 3:22 AM, k1p1ssk said:

Rectal temps all day every day... PRevents the teachers from sending down kids for unnecessary temp checks ...

I used to keep an old mercury rectal in the cabinet just for jollies. Never used it. I switched from the W-A oral (though it did also have the red probe, again never used) to a tympanic a few years ago and never went back.

I always was tempted to threaten the rectal reading on some of the frequent flyers.

[SandIsMyGlitterRN, BSN, RN]

We have a large percentage of children with special needs in my school so I do use a no-touch thermometer. Sensory issues can make getting a temp with any other thermometer a nightmare. I do not feel it is the most accurate but I do save a ton of money on probe covers and there is no worry about cross contamination.