The old standbys of oral and rectal thermometers are being phased out and replaced by new technology. One of the newer methods for evaluating a person’s fever is the forehead thermometer. These come in two different forms: a strip placed on the forehead, or a temporal artery thermometer. The strip form of forehead thermometer has been around for a few years now but the temporal artery thermometer is a newer invention.
The forehead strip thermometer, developed in the 1990’s, is a disposable strip of plastic with liquid crystals embedded into the strip. To take a person’s temperature, one places the strip against the person’s forehead. The liquid crystals react with the temperature of the skin. After waiting anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on the brand, the crystals will change color. The thermometers have a number line that shows the temperature based on the color displayed. These are great for use with infants and young children. Keep in mind, though, studies have shown that this type of forehead thermometer is not always accurate. It will, however, give you an idea whether or not the child has a fever.