Sofia Martinez
Plastic strip thermometers, also known as liquid crystal thermometers, are used to measure temperature changes. They contain heat-sensitive liquid crystals that change colour to indicate different temperatures. They are commonly used in the medical and healthcare sectors, as well as in aquariums, home brewing, and even mood rings. When using a plastic strip thermometer, it is important to follow the instructions and ensure that the environment is suitable for an accurate reading. The thermometer strip should be placed in direct contact with the surface being measured and left in place for the recommended amount of time. The temperature reading can then be determined by observing the colour of the liquid crystals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Liquid crystal thermometer, temperature strip or plastic strip thermometer |
| Function | Contains heat-sensitive (thermochromic) liquid crystals in a plastic strip that change colour to indicate different temperatures |
| Temperature range | The resolution of liquid crystal sensors is in the 0.1 °C (0.2 °F) range |
| Uses | Medical applications, aquariums, homebrewing, mood rings, monitoring temperature-sensitive products like pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and perishable goods |
| Placement | Stick-on thermometers are placed on the outside of the tank/container. In the case of medical applications, it is placed on the forehead |
| Reading | If one crystal is highlighted in green, it is that temperature. If two adjoining crystals are highlighted in blue and tan, it is the temperature in between. The blue/violet part of the rainbow reflects a temperature below the actual temperature. The red/orange colors show a temperature above the exact temperature |
| Accuracy | May not be the most accurate due to being placed on the outside of the tank/container. The accuracy of the Clinitemp Fever Detector plastic strip thermometer was also affected by variations in ambient air temperature |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic strip thermometers are heat-sensitive
Plastic strip thermometers, also known as liquid crystal thermometers, are a type of thermometer that contains heat-sensitive liquid crystals. These thermometers are designed to be placed on the forehead to detect body temperature by changing colour. They are safer than traditional mercury-in-glass thermometers and are commonly used in medical applications, as well as in aquariums, homebrewing, and even mood rings.
The liquid crystals in plastic strip thermometers are thermochromic, meaning they change colour in response to different temperatures. This colour change can be observed when the thermometer is placed on the forehead, with the temperature of the body causing the crystals to shift in colour. The resolution of liquid crystal sensors is quite precise, falling within a range of 0.1 °C (0.2 °F).
In a clinical evaluation of the Clinitemp Fever Detector, a plastic strip thermometer, the device was tested on 613 patients to evaluate its ability to detect fevers in comparison to traditional mercury/glass thermometers. The study found that when a Clinitemp reading of 37.8 °C (100 °F) was used to indicate a fever, the device only detected 34% of the fevers identified by the mercury/glass thermometers. However, when the threshold was lowered to 37.2 °C (99 °F), the sensitivity of the Clinitemp improved significantly, reaching 0.81.
While plastic strip thermometers offer a safer alternative to mercury-containing devices, they may not always provide exact temperature readings. Their accuracy can be influenced by variations in ambient air temperature, as demonstrated in the Clinitemp evaluation. Nevertheless, these thermometers can be useful for monitoring temperature changes and are often employed in various applications beyond medical use, including fermentation, brewing, and aquariums.
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They change colour to indicate temperature
Plastic strip thermometers, also known as liquid crystal thermometers, contain heat-sensitive (thermochromic) liquid crystals that change colour to indicate different temperatures. They possess the mechanical properties of a liquid but have the optical properties of a single crystal. Temperature changes can affect the colour of a liquid crystal, which makes them useful for temperature measurement.
In the medical field, liquid crystal thermometers may be used to read body temperature by placing them against the forehead. They are safer than mercury-in-glass thermometers and may be advantageous for certain patients. However, they do not always provide an exact result, except for the analytic liquid crystal thermometer, which shows the exact temperature between 35.5 and 40.5 °C (96–105 °F).
The Clinitemp Fever Detector is a plastic strip thermometer placed on the forehead to detect body temperature by changing colour. In a sample of 613 patients, the Clinitemp detected 34% of the clinically significant fevers detected by traditional mercury/glass thermometers. The accuracy of the Clinitemp was influenced by variations in ambient air temperature.
Liquid crystal thermometers are also used in aquariums, home brewing, and mood rings. They are typically placed on the outside of the tank or container and provide a temperature reading based on a colour gradient. The blue/violet part of the rainbow reflects a temperature below the actual temperature, while the red/orange colours show a temperature above. The real temperature will be around the middle of the rainbow, usually in the green area.
Reading the temperature on a colour-changing strip is straightforward. If one crystal is highlighted in green, that is the temperature. If two adjoining crystals are highlighted in different colours, the temperature is in between those two values.
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They can be used to read body temperature
Plastic strip thermometers, also known as liquid crystal thermometers, contain heat-sensitive (thermochromic) liquid crystals that change colour to indicate different temperatures. They are useful for measuring body temperature as they are safer than traditional mercury-in-glass thermometers. They are also disposable, making them convenient for home and medical use.
To use a plastic strip thermometer to read body temperature, simply place the strip against the forehead of the person. The plastic strip will change colour depending on the temperature of the person's body. Each colour or shade on the strip corresponds to a different temperature level.
Analytic liquid crystal thermometers are the most accurate type, showing the exact temperature between 35.5 and 40.5 °C (96–105 °F). However, the accuracy of plastic strip thermometers can be affected by variations in ambient air temperature. In a sample of 613 patients, the Clinitemp Fever Detector, a plastic strip thermometer, detected only 34% of the clinically significant fevers detected by traditional mercury/glass thermometers. However, the sensitivity of the Clinitemp rose to .81 when a reading of 37.2 °C (99 °F) was used to demarcate fever.
It is important to note that while plastic strip thermometers are a convenient way to obtain a general indication of a person's temperature, they may not always give an exact result. For more precise measurements, other types of thermometers may be more suitable.
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They are commonly used in aquariums
Liquid crystal thermometers, also known as plastic strip thermometers, are commonly used in aquariums. They are affordable and simple to use. These thermometers contain heat-sensitive liquid crystals in a plastic strip that change colour to indicate different temperatures. The crystals possess the mechanical properties of a liquid but have the optical properties of a single crystal.
When using a plastic strip thermometer for an aquarium, it is recommended to stick it to the outside of the tank. They are self-adhesive and can be stuck to the exterior wall of the aquarium. The strips are not to be confused with digital aquarium thermometers.
The temperature range of these strips is 50-90°F (10-32°C). They are highly accurate, with a resolution in the 0.1 °C (0.2 °F) range. However, some customers have reported issues with temperature accuracy, with readings not matching those of a mercury thermometer. The strips may also be difficult to read in low light conditions, as the colours are not very bright.
Plastic strip thermometers are a useful tool for aquarium owners to ensure the water temperature is suitable for the fish. They are easy to install and provide a good indication of the water temperature, although it is recommended to have a digital thermometer for more accurate readings.
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They are cheap and easy to use
Plastic strip thermometers, also known as liquid crystal thermometers, are a cheap and convenient way to measure temperature. They are often used in medical applications, such as detecting body temperature by changing colour when placed on the forehead. They are also commonly used in aquariums, homebrewing, and even mood rings. These thermometers are usually disposable and can be purchased for as little as $2. They are easy to use and can be simply stuck onto the outside of an aquarium, for example, to measure the temperature.
The strips contain heat-sensitive (thermochromic) liquid crystals that change colour to indicate different temperatures. Each colour or shade represents a different temperature level. For example, if one crystal is highlighted in green, that is the temperature. If two adjoining crystals are highlighted in blue and tan, the temperature is in between. The resolution of liquid crystal sensors is in the 0.1 °C (0.2 °F) range.
When using a plastic strip thermometer, it is important to carefully read the instructions provided and ensure that the environment is suitable for the measurement. If you are measuring the temperature of an object or food, the strip should be in direct contact with the surface. These thermometers typically require a specific amount of time to provide a reading, so it is important to leave the thermometer in place for the recommended duration for an accurate reading.
While plastic strip thermometers are a cheap and easy option, they may not always provide exact results. Their accuracy can be affected by variations in ambient air temperature and the temperature of the room they are placed in. In medical applications, for example, they may not detect all clinically significant fevers, and their readings can vary depending on the placement and temperature of the room.
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Frequently asked questions
A plastic strip thermometer, also known as a liquid crystal thermometer, is a type of thermometer that contains heat-sensitive liquid crystals in a plastic strip that change colour to indicate different temperatures.
The specific placement of the thermometer will depend on its intended use. If you are using the strip to measure the temperature of an object or food, ensure that the strip is in direct contact with the surface you want to measure. Plastic strip thermometers typically require a specific amount of time to provide a reading, so make sure to leave the thermometer in place for the recommended time for an accurate reading. Once the designated time has passed, check the strip for the temperature reading. If one crystal is highlighted in green, it is that temperature. If two adjoining crystals are highlighted in blue and tan, it is the temperature in between.
Plastic strip thermometers are commonly used in aquariums, home brewing, and in the medical field to read body temperature by placing them against the forehead.
