2023-12-03 08:33:41
The show We talk about it has teamed up with the magazine Bon à savoir to have ten commercially available thermometers tested in the laboratory. If prices vary on average between 5 and 90 francs per unit, all models obtained satisfactory marks. However, price does not always mean better quality.
How reliable are thermometers? Are the price differences equivalent to the degree of precision? We’re talking about it and Bon à savoir magazine asked these questions. Ten thermometers were tested. They can be found on the internet, in pharmacies and supermarkets. Overall, all thermometers passed the “satisfactory” mark. On the other hand, they are not all equal, the evaluations ranging from “satisfactory” to “very good”, and the prices ranging from 5.20 to 89.95 francs.
Cheap does not mean poor quality
At the top of the ranking, the Braun “Thermo Scan” infrared ear thermometer is the only one to obtain the final rating of “very good”. Its temperature measurement was found to be accurate and fast. It also showed excellent reproducibility, i.e. little variation between several temperature measurements. A good score which comes at a price, since the thermometer costs 79.95 francs.
Conversely, cheaper does not necessarily mean poor quality. The least expensive of the ten thermometers tested, the “ClassicTemp” insertion model from Reer, comes in third position in the ranking with a good general result and good measurement accuracy. However, it only costs 5.20 francs.
>> To consult: the complete test of medical thermometers from We talk about it and Good to know
Too long waiting time and variable results
On the other side of the ranking, among the two models judged “satisfactory”, the classic M insertion thermometer from Migros, priced at 5.50 francs, showed good precision in temperature measurement. On the other hand, it took 45 seconds to obtain a result. The laboratory experts consider this time too long, because it represents a risk of false results if users remove the thermometer too quickly. Questioned by We talk about it, Migros emphasizes that a wait of 60 seconds is clearly specified on the packaging.
Last in the ranking, judged “satisfactory”, the multifunction thermometer from the Beurer brand sold at 18.80 francs can be used in the ear and on the forehead. This last point posed a problem during the test, because the temperature accuracy was considered poor. The laboratory in fact noticed that there was almost a degree of difference between the reference temperature and that measured by the Beurer thermometer on the forehead. On the other hand, the temperature measurement was satisfactory in the ear. Contacted by We talk about it, the Beurer company did not wish to comment on these assessments.
Rectal intake more reliable than under the armpit
According to the survey, insert thermometers are the most reliable and least expensive. Christine Leroy, nurse, head of the care team at HUG in the Primary Care Medicine department, specifies in the program We talk about it that “among these methods of measurement, the most reliable remains the rectal measurement, that is- i.e. inserting the thermometer into the rectum, because this area is closest to the core temperature.”
However, there may be a risk of injury if the person is not immobilized. “For example, if a sick child is fidgeting, this hold is not recommended. The measurement under the armpit is further from the core temperature and can be distorted by humidity. But by inserting the thermometer in the hollow of the armpit, by holding the arm tightly against the body and waiting for a sufficient period of one minute, the temperature obtained is relatively reliable”, specifies Christine Leroy.
Radio subject and investigation: Marie Tschumi and Bastien von Wyss with the magazine Good to know
Adaptation web: Myriam Semaani
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