Final answer:
A tympanic thermometer measures body temperature in the ear using advanced infrared technology, which provides rapid and accurate readings while minimizing the risk of infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
A tympanic thermometer measures temperature in the ear. This advanced type of thermometer employs infrared technology, which was developed by Diatek Corporation in cooperation with NASA. The technology draws on principles used in infrared astronomy to assess the energy emitted by objects, such as stars, but in the case of the tympanic thermometer, it measures the energy emitted by the eardrum. This method is highly beneficial because it does not involve contact with mucous membranes, drastically reducing the risk of cross-infection, and it allows for a rapid temperature measurement, which is especially valuable for newborns, critically ill, or incapacitated patients.
In terms of accuracy, the infrared ear thermometer offers a more precise temperature reading than traditional alcohol thermometers, which are placed under the tongue or in the armpit. Thermometers function by using materials that change in size (expand or contract) with the application or removal of heat. However, the modern infrared thermometers used in the ear canal are a direct evolution from simpler forms and utilize radiation emission variance with temperature to provide a quick and accurate readout.