Objective There are many types of thermometers on the market, however the body temperature and measuring speed of thermometer are different. In this paper, a comparative study of body temperature and measuring speed among five thermometers, which work in different principles and are with different brands, was performed. Methods With the mercury thermometer as standard, forehead thermometer, ear thermometer, electronic thermometer and Welch Allyn thermometer were enclosed to measure subjects’ body temperature. And the body temperature and measuring speed of four thermometers were investigated. Results Difference of axillary temperatures measured by Welch Allyn thermometer and mercury thermometer were not statistically significant. Compared with axillary temperature measured by mercury thermometer, the differences of axillary temperature measured by electronic thermometer, forehead temperature by forehead temperature thermometer, ear temperature by ear temperature thermometer were significant. Measuring time of ear temperature by ear thermometer was the shortest, however it needed the reset time of 4s and led measure errors easily due to improper operation. Forehead thermometer was usually in 4s to reach stable. Measuring time of electronic thermometer was the longest, and it needed the reset time of 3s for continuous use. Measuring speed of oral temperature by Welch Allyn thermometer was faster, but it needed 3s to take off and re-fix the muzzle for continuous measurement. Measuring speed of axillary temperature by Welch Allyn thermometer was faster than by other axillary temperature thermometers. Conclusions Measurements of ear thermometer and forehead thermometer were convenient, fast and able to meet some needs for rapid temperature measurements. However, forehead temperatures and ear temperatures measured by them compared with axillary temperatures measured by mercury thermometer had a certain differences. Axillary temperature measured by Welch Allyn thermometer is quicker and more accurate than electronic thermometer.
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