Dave Johnson / CNET
It's the 21st century. You'd think we'd have been a way by now to take a person's temperature without putting a tube full of mercury in their mouth (or some other part of the body that's even less comfortable). And there is! Infrared forehead thermometers have become popular in doctor's offices, in-store before you shop, and even at home thanks to the pandemic for being quick and easy (you don't have to put anything under your tongue). In addition, they are completely touch-free, which means that fewer devices need to be sterilized. I know a few people who have made a habit of taking their temperature first thing in the morning to see if they did COVID When I saw this IR thermometer priced at $ 11, I knew it was the perfect device for our pandemic age. As long as the inventory lasts, Daily Steals offers this $ 11 color LCD IR thermometer if you use discount code CNETHMO at checkout.
This is a CNET exclusive offer, about 78% off the regular $ 50 price and even less than half the $ 25 price it is currently on at Daily Steals.
I'll be honest: I wasn't inclined to trust an $ 11 IR thermometer, so Daily Steals sent me a sample to try. The device in the form of a radar pistol just arrived, and while the documentation wasn't trustworthy (it came with a laminated quality control card that said "Qualified Certificate") the device itself is fantastic. I'll admit it's the first time I've used an infrared thermometer, but it works almost instantly and seemed perfectly accurate. It fixed all of the people I tested in the normal temperature range of 98.2 to 98.6 degrees and can also detect a wide temperature range when measuring objects in the office. It accurately recognized hot and cold drinks, which means that it is great for testing baby bottles. The rear display is color-coded in case you need help determining if a temperature is in a healthy range.
This is not the only alternative to traditional thermometers. For example, there is an eardrum thermometry, which uses an infrared probe in the ear canal, and an axillary thermometry (under the armpit), which is primarily intended for babies. However, IR forehead measurements are more precise and very easy to use. I can't believe I got along with mercury tubes for so long. Goodbye, thermometer under your tongue.
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The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions about a disease or health goals.