Medical Thermometer
Used to measure human body temperature
Temperature range: 35°C to 42°C
Shorter in size
Has a constriction in the capillary tube (keeps reading after removal)
More sensitive in a narrow range
Often digital or glass with mercury/alcohol
Designed for use under tongue, armpit, or rectum
Laboratory Thermometer
Used to measure temperature of substances in labs
Temperature range: -10°C to 110°C or more
Longer in size
No constriction in the tube (reading changes with temperature)
Designed for continuous temperature monitoring
Made of glass with mercury or alcohol
Used by immersing in liquids or solutions
Is it possible to use lab thermostat for a medical use?
No, and this is the reason.
Different Temperature Ranges
Lab thermometers typically measure from -10°C to 110°C, which is far beyond the human body temperature range (35°C–42°C).
This makes them less accurate and less sensitive within the small range needed to detect body temperature changes.
No Constriction
Lab thermometers do not have a constriction in the capillary tube, so they do not hold the reading after being removed from the body.
This means the reading will drop immediately once it’s taken out, making it hard to get an accurate measurement.
Length and Design
Lab thermometers are longer and bulkier, not designed to be safely or comfortably used in the mouth, armpit, or rectum.
They are meant to be immersed in liquids, not used on people.
Hygiene and Safety
Using a lab thermometer on the human body is unsanitary and unsafe, especially if it’s used with chemicals in the lab.
Risk of mercury exposure or breakage is also higher.
Regulatory and Health Standards
Medical thermometers are specifically tested and approved for clinical use, following health safety guidelines.
Lab thermometers are not certified for human use.
favourite part/ note/ summary— a medical thermostat is shorter than a lab thermostat, Temperature range: 35°C to 42°C, its used to measure the human body, it’s designed to use under the tongue, arm pit and rectum. Lab thermometer is bigger, Temperature range: -10°C to 110°C or more, its used to mesuare chemicals and substances in the lab. It can be made out of glass, mercury and alcohol, its used by immersing it in substances to check its temperature.
