Step-by-step instruction: how to calibrate an infrared thermometer

Infrared thermometer appeared not so long ago, but he managed to gain high popularity. Using it, you can measure the body temperature indicators of adults and children with maximum accuracy. The process is easy, without the unpleasant sensations that cause a contact type device. Non-contact can measure not only the temperature of the human body, but also water, air and other surfaces. But in order to properly use a device of this kind, you need to know how to calibrate an infrared thermometer without errors.

What is calibration and why do it

Thermometer is an essential element of a first-aid kit. This element should always be in good condition, because the temperature can rise at any time, its measurement will help to provide timely medical care.

Recently, many instead of standard mercury devices began to use infrared thermometers. These devices are convenient, they produce readings in non-contact mode. But accurate information can be obtained provided that the device is calibrated.

Calibration of the infrared thermometer consists in establishing the relationship between the data of the measuring device and the size of the measured (input) value. In simple words, by calibration we mean the process of adjusting the measurements of the device to the real parameters of the measured surface.

Calibration is required in order to get accurate readings. Usually, modern infrared products are calibrated by the manufacturer in the laboratory using special devices, so discrepancies rarely occur during measurements.

Calibration Example in Numbers

In order to understand what it is, you can consider an example. A good example would be to measure water using a conventional and infrared thermometer:

• when measured by a medical device, the water temperature in the bathroom is 36.6⁰ FROM;
• on the display of the infrared device - 36.3⁰ FROM;
• to get accurate metrics, 0.3 is added to the number⁰ FROM;
• This figure should be added for subsequent temperature measurements.

Features of use

In order to correctly measure the temperature using an infrared thermometer, you need to know how to use it. Typically, the steps in determining the measurement data depend on the options that are provided in the device by the manufacturer.

How the temperature removal process is carried out by an infrared device is described in the instructions. Usually, the use is as follows:

• it should be turned on, this is done by pressing a special button;
• Next, you need to select the desired operating mode;
• if you want to measure the temperature in the ear, then first you need to remove the cap. The sensor is inserted into the ear canal. Next, click on the measurement button once and wait a while until the audible alarm. After extraction, information will be displayed on the screen;
• to remove it by the non-contact method, the device should be brought to the body at a distance of 4 to 6 cm from its surface. Then a button is pressed and a sound signal is expected. After it appears on the display, data is displayed;
• then you can disable it.

Measurement Recommendations

When using infrared devices, it is worth observing important rules that will help to accurately set the temperature.

The rules include:

• when using it is worth being careful. In no case should the product be thrown, dropped, or hit against other objects;
• constantly requires monitoring the battery level;
• wipe the liquid crystal display and sensor from time to time. To do this, you can use a napkin that is pre-wetted with alcohol. When wiping, do not touch the display with your hands;
• Before taking the measurement, the patient must carefully wipe the skin so that it is dry;
• It is advisable to measure the temperature 2-3 times. After that, you can use the average;
• so that the product does not overheat, after 4 uses it should be allowed to rest for 10 minutes. Otherwise, it may fail quickly, which will lead to the removal of incorrect data.

Read also: features of using mercury-free thermometers.

Top 5 Models

The description and method of using an IR thermometer will not be able to help you choose the right device. Be sure to consider the popular models of these devices, their important features and characteristics.

Garin

This model is designed to relieve body temperature. It works using a non-contact method. To take indicators, the device should be brought to the surface of the body at a distance of 5-8 cm.

The main characteristics of GARIN include:

• work can be carried out in the range from 0 to 118 degrees;
• data is provided after 2 seconds;
• can disconnect on its own after half a minute;
• for the surface of the body, the margin of error is not more than 0.2 degrees, and for the surface of a liquid, air - 0.1 degrees;
• two types of scales can be used - Celsius and Fahrenheit;
• memory is able to preserve old indicators;
• at high measurements, an audible alarm and backlight are triggered on the device.

You can buy a GARIN thermometer in medical equipment stores or order in the online store. The cost is low, only 1800 rubles.

ENDEVER TEMP-05

Convenient infrared device that performs reading in non-contact mode. It can be used for the body, as well as for checking the temperature of the air, baby food, water.

It has the following qualities:

• good memory capacity, which can accommodate up to 32 measurements;
• maximum error can be no more than 0.2 degrees;
• at elevated rates, an audio or light signal is triggered;
• receiving data takes about 1 second;
• the product turns off after 5 seconds.

The thermometer has a low price. It can be purchased at pharmacies or specialized medical stores for 1600 rubles.

Thermometer DT-635 digital infrared

The DT-635 Infrared Digital Instrument is a versatile thermometer. The device can be used to measure body temperature (on the forehead, in the ear), and is also suitable for other surfaces - liquid, air.

The good qualities of the infrared device model DT-635 include:

• able to shoot indicators in a wide range - in the range from 0 to 50 degrees;
• indicators are displayed after 1 second;
• the maximum error rate may be about 0.1 degrees;
• the device has a memory that allows you to view the result of recent measurements;
• there is an alarm with a sound that warns of high temperature;
• a clock and a room thermometer are built into the device;
• automatic shutdown is provided;
• The casing is made of durable material that can withstand shock when dropped.

A high-quality universal thermometer with a non-contact method of taking temperature does not have disadvantages. It has a convenient application in which you can get the most accurate indicators.At the same time it has a low cost - only 1200-1400 rubles.

DADGET MT4004

This is a small infrared thermometer that relates to portable devices. It has maximum convenience during use. Using this model, it is possible to measure not only the temperature indicators of the body, but also for non-contact determination of the state of heating of objects in the solid state and liquids.

The device has a number of positive characteristics:

• the device is lightweight, only 40 grams. For this reason, it can be easily taken with you to work, on trips;
• high speed of data acquisition during measurement - 1 second;
• the error is quite small, it is within 0.2 degrees;
• there is a function of automatic shutdown after a quarter of a minute.

However, the device has several drawbacks, for many they seem quite significant. The device has a minimum set of functions. Also, during measurement, a high error is observed.

A portable product can be purchased at a pharmacy or medical measurement store. On average, the cost of the device is not more than 1000 rubles.

Babyono

This is a non-contact thermometer that is designed for children, but it can also be used by adults. It allows you to take temperature readings with maximum accuracy, while not causing discomfort.

The positive qualities of the BabyOno model include the following:

• the device is capable of taking accurate readings at a distance of 15 cm from the surface of the forehead or body;
• the high-frequency device has a small measurement error, which is only 0.1 degrees Celsius;
• the duration of the measurement is 3 seconds;
• there is a memory that allows you to save up to 32 of the last measurements;
• In the functionality of the device, a sound signal is set, which works at high rates.

Convenient thermometer for non-contact temperature measurement has one significant drawback - high cost. On average, in pharmacies or in stores, it is sold for 5,000 rubles.

Infrared non-contact thermometers are new devices that allow you to quickly and easily take temperature readings. They are convenient to use for young children, because they do not cause fear or discomfort in the baby and do not cause inconvenience. But before you purchase, it is worth considering carefully the features of these devices, their functions and main characteristics.