Laboratory Thermometer vs. Clinical Thermometer — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on December 10, 2023
A Laboratory Thermometer measures a wide range of temperatures for experiments, while a Clinical Thermometer gauges human body temperature for medical purposes.
Difference Between Laboratory Thermometer and Clinical Thermometer
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
A Laboratory Thermometer is a device designed for temperature measurements in scientific experiments and processes. On the other hand, a Clinical Thermometer is specifically crafted to determine the body temperature of humans, typically used by medical professionals or at home for health monitoring.
In the context of range, the Laboratory Thermometer can measure a broader range of temperatures, making it suitable for various experiments, whether they require extremely high or low temperatures. Conversely, the Clinical Thermometer has a limited range, focusing primarily on the average human body temperature spectrum, roughly between 95°F to 108°F.
Safety and precision are crucial for both instruments. Laboratory Thermometers, depending on their design, might contain chemicals like mercury or alcohol and are made to provide accurate readings for experiments. Clinical Thermometers, while they may also contain mercury, have increasingly shifted towards digital or infrared models due to concerns about mercury's toxicity and the quest for quicker, more user-friendly readings.
Though both devices measure temperature, their applications are vastly different. A Laboratory Thermometer is quintessential in labs for research, ensuring experiments occur under controlled conditions. The Clinical Thermometer's role is to aid in the diagnosis of illness or to monitor an individual's health status, especially during sickness.
Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Scientific experiments
Measuring human body temperature
ADVERTISEMENT
Temperature Range
Broader range
Typically 95°F to 108°F
Common Types
Mercury, alcohol-based
Mercury, digital, infrared
Safety Concerns
Potential chemical exposure
Mercury toxicity, accuracy for medical diagnosis
User Group
Researchers, scientists
Medical professionals, general public
Compare with Definitions
Laboratory Thermometer
An instrument capturing a broad temperature range for experiments.
With the Laboratory Thermometer, the scientist ensured the reaction occurred at the right temperature.
Clinical Thermometer
An instrument, either mercury or non-mercury based, used in medical settings or homes.
For safety reasons, they replaced their mercury Clinical Thermometer with an infrared one.
Laboratory Thermometer
A gauge, often mercury or alcohol-based, used for experimental accuracy.
The Laboratory Thermometer's reading confirmed the substance melted at the predicted temperature.
Clinical Thermometer
A gauge, ranging typically from 95°F to 108°F, for health checks.
The Clinical Thermometer showed her temperature was within the normal range.
Laboratory Thermometer
A device used in scientific settings to measure temperatures.
The researcher used a Laboratory Thermometer to monitor the boiling point of the solution.
Clinical Thermometer
A tool, often digital or infrared in modern times, for quick temperature readings.
The digital Clinical Thermometer gave a reading within seconds, making the process efficient.
Laboratory Thermometer
A tool essential for maintaining controlled conditions in labs.
The Laboratory Thermometer indicated the freezer preserved samples at the desired coldness.
Clinical Thermometer
A device for determining human body temperature.
The nurse used a Clinical Thermometer to check the child's fever.
Laboratory Thermometer
An instrument for precise temperature measurements in research settings.
To achieve repeatable results, she always used a calibrated Laboratory Thermometer.
Clinical Thermometer
An instrument aiding in medical diagnosis and health monitoring.
With the Clinical Thermometer, the doctor confirmed the patient didn't have a temperature.
Common Curiosities
What is a Clinical Thermometer used for?
A Clinical Thermometer is used to measure human body temperature for medical purposes.
What is the primary purpose of a Laboratory Thermometer?
A Laboratory Thermometer measures temperatures in scientific experiments and processes.
Why might a Laboratory Thermometer have a broader range than a Clinical Thermometer?
Laboratory Thermometers cater to diverse experiments requiring either very high or very low temperatures, whereas Clinical Thermometers focus on the human body's temperature range.
Are all Clinical Thermometers mercury-based?
No, while some older ones might be, many modern Clinical Thermometers are digital or infrared due to safety concerns and ease of use.
Can I use a Clinical Thermometer for lab experiments?
It's not advisable; Laboratory Thermometers are designed for broader temperature ranges and experimental precision.
How do digital Clinical Thermometers work?
Digital Clinical Thermometers use electronic heat sensors to record body temperature, displaying the reading digitally.
Can you use a Laboratory Thermometer to check body temperature?
It's not recommended; Clinical Thermometers are specifically designed for body temperature readings and are safer and more accurate for that purpose.
Are infrared Clinical Thermometers accurate?
Yes, modern infrared Clinical Thermometers are designed to provide accurate and rapid body temperature readings.
Why is precision crucial for both Laboratory and Clinical Thermometers?
Accurate readings are vital: in labs to ensure valid experimental results and medically to diagnose or monitor health accurately.
Is it safe to use a Laboratory Thermometer at home?
Laboratory Thermometers are designed for scientific use; using them at home might not be safe, especially if they contain chemicals like mercury.
Why might a Laboratory Thermometer contain mercury or alcohol?
These substances expand or contract uniformly with temperature changes, providing consistent and accurate readings.
How long does a digital Clinical Thermometer typically take to give a reading?
Most digital Clinical Thermometers provide a reading within a few seconds to a minute.
Are there safety concerns with using mercury-based thermometers?
Yes, if a mercury thermometer breaks, it can release toxic mercury which is hazardous if inhaled or comes in contact with skin.
Is a Laboratory Thermometer suitable for checking a substance's melting or boiling point?
Yes, they're often used in labs to measure such temperatures accurately.
How do you read a mercury-based Clinical Thermometer?
After shaking it down to reset, place it (usually under the tongue or armpit), wait a few minutes, then read where the mercury line stops.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Chelated Magnesium vs. Magnesium Citrate
Next Comparison
Annealing vs. TemperingAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
