In a general point of view, medical supply thermometer is an instrument used in determining temperature. Usually by means of a scale graduated in temperature units, and consisting typically of a glass bulb attached to a fine tube of glass with a numbered scale etched on or fastened to it with a liquid (e.g., mercury, alcohol) that is sealed in, and rises and falls with changes in temperature, indicating the temperature by the number corresponding to the top of the column of liquid. A medical supply thermometer may use a Celsius, Fahrenheit, or Kelvin temperature scale.

The traditional method of measuring temperatures is thorugh a mercury-in-glass medical supply thermometer whose tip is inserted either into the mouth (oral temperature), under the armpit (axilliary temperature) or into the rectum via the anus (rectal temperature). There are many kinds of medical supply thermometers with different principles. These include thermistors, thermocoupples, mercury-in-glass medical supply thermometers, bi-metal mechanical medical supply thermometers, silicon bondgap temperature sensors, infrared medical supply thermometers, and Galileo medical supply thermometers. The infrared medical supply thermometers have modern features, and can be availed online.

Modern medical supply thermometers are well designed and quality constructed with a variety of uses as well. There are waterproof constructed, digital with fast response, a non-contact medical supply thermometer devised with infrared to measure surface temperature, pocket test medical supply thermometer with 15 seconds response and magnifying glass. Along with these are medical supply thermometers with a bimetal device, open for recalibration with calibration sheath, and medical supply thermometers with no non-toxic liquid; has protective plastic case with clip and hanging loop, and a 2-degree increments and 3-degree accuracy, pulp test medical supply thermometer with stainless stem and overhead. This is just a few of the ground-breaking features of the technologies now, from the traditional measuring of temperature to high-tech methods.

Much innovative medical supply thermometers include the completely submersible medical supply thermometer that has a maximum, minimum and current temperature reading. This submersible device has an integral, heat resistant, stainless steel probe, long battery life for low running costs, supplied with protective sleeve with pocket clip, a superior range, typical accuracy, higher resolution, two seconds typical response time, a button cell, and a two years typical battery life.

Nowadays, more and more high-tech medical supply thermometers are developed. These may include those with a probe clips at its side fits pocket or a bag. Probe swings open to switch on instrument, and switches off when folded back. Probe can be angled to suit usage. It has no buttons or adjustments required. Its tapered probe is for faster response. The readings are clearly shown on the large LCD (liquid crystal display). Its thermistor accuracy meets all food hygiene regulations. It has LEDs (light emitting diodes) for error free indication of temperature zones. It measures in °F units. It can auto switch off after 5 minutes for even longer battery life. It has flashing LEDs instant temperature indicator: yellow indicates cold holding (below 40°F), green indicates hot holding (140°F to 180°F); red for cooked ground beef (160°F). It also has superior range, higher resolution and accuracy. It has 600 hours minimum battery life.