Customer Rating:  
Summary: Does not work
Comment: My daughter was burning up with fever, yet this registered a temperature of 96 degrees. I took it twice, then I held it up near a lightbulb and it never changed. Defective product.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Mine was not accurate
Comment: This is a duplicate review, as this device is listed in a couple of places on Amazon. I had high hopes for this thermometer, after reading a medical article comparing it with standard mercury (Hg) thermometers in a clinical trial. All the accuracy, but without the significant health risks if it breaks. Well, I still have an "old fashioned" Hg thermometer, in addition to an electronic probe and an ear device from a major manufacturer (for the home, not professional market).
When I purchased this, I compared it to the Hg thermometer, since I have one and I was curious about the new Hg substitute. First, I put them both under my tongue simultaneously. This one read about 2 degrees lower than the Hg standard. I thought that its larger size might have allowed air to get by my lips & cool it. I then did two back-to-back measurements; Geratherm, Hg; Geratherm, Hg. Four minutes each, all at rest, one immediately after the other, and always placing them in the same location. Both devices were "internally" consistent - that is the Hg gave the same temp both times, sequentially, as did the Geratherm. So far, so good. Consistency is necessary in a measuring instrument. HOWEVER, on both occasions the Geratherm now measured a full two (2) degrees HIGHER than the Hg! NOT good! I then checked my temp using the oral electronic probe; it was 0.2 degrees off from the Hg. I then used the ear probe (both ears) and surprisingly it, too, was actually very close to the Hg (0.2 degrees difference between the 2 ears; average 0.3 degrees off from Hg, just a bit lower otic (ear) than oral).
For this reason, I'm returning it, and I'm going to try another one. I suspect that it's a manufacturing defect explained by the construction of this thermometer - it's a glass tube within a second glass housing, and there's a paper scale behind the capillary tube containing the liquid. If that paper is not placed properly, the reading will be "off." The device's consistency suggests that the liquid expanded properly & consistently in response to my temp. My old Hg thermometer has the typical printing on the glass. Sure, that could be off, but those devices have been standardized over decades. And the good correlation with other devices (particularly the electronic probe, which I've calibrated against known standards - freezing & boiling water, & it's accurate) suggests that my old thermometer is the correct one.
Other comments - I didn't find it particularly worse than the old standard to "shake down;" each took the same # of shakes to return to baseline. If one does have arthritis, neither this nor a mercury thermometer are easy to use, and you're probably best off with a high rated electronic probe. Also, the outer glass housing is much larger (about 3X) the size of the Hg thermometer, which made it a little more cumbersome to hold under the tongue, but not impossible. Because of its size, I don't think it would be particularly good for a child under about age 7-8.
Hope this helps other users. I am concerned about this, especially as a medical professional, because not everyone has a mercury thermometer to compare against. This 2 degree difference could mean a LOT if you're using this in a "sick" situation (e.g. deciding if your older child can go to school or not). I plan on contacting the manufacturer about this.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Great product!
Comment: This thermometer is a modern version of the old mercury-filled oral thermometers. No batteries required, internally consistent, and easy to use. The thermometer is scaled in Fahrenheit on top and Celsius on bottom. My only complaint with this product is that the thermometer widens about one inch past the bulb which can make it a little bit difficult to grip with your lips and teeth. Thermometer fits securely in the included carrying case.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Does Not Work!
Comment: This product was shipped to me not in working order.
There is a little bubble in the glass that does not allow the "non-mercury" liquid to rise.
Waste of my time & money! Wish I could have given it ZERO stars!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Look, Ma, no batteries! In LOVE with this Thermometer!
Comment: We've bought just about every brand of digital thermometers out there. The last one we bought worked for 1 week, and now won't even register ANY temp! The digital ones read something different every time, and are often out of batteries... or display "Err".
I REALLY needed a reliable way to track a fever. I went and got this, and have not been disappointed! It reads consistently (tested by shaking down and taking temp. consecutively) and it's battery never dies!
Word of Warning: Most people are not used to shaking down glass thermometers. It is a skill that relies on a strong "flick" of the wrist. People with wrist problems may find it difficult, if not impossible to get it to shake down appropriately. (I don't have those problems, and after 2 days of monitoring my temp, my wrist is a bit sore) I couldn't imagine a child under 13 or so actually getting this to reset. The thermometer is easiest to shake down when the green cap is left on the end (it gives you help holding onto it). In addition, it may help protect the glass if it gets dropped.
Also important to note is that this "new" type of glass thermometer is MUCH wider and heavier than the old mercury ones. It may not fit a child's mouth right. We don't have this problem (yet!), but I could see it being a problem.
For adults, or children under supervision, I would heartily recommend this thermometer.
|
