Which instrument is commonly used to measure body temperature via the tympanic membrane?

The tympanic thermometer is specifically designed to measure body temperature by detecting the infrared heat emitted from the tympanic membrane, or eardrum. This method provides a quick and accurate assessment of core body temperature because the tympanic membrane shares blood supply with the hypothalamus, the area of the brain that regulates temperature.

Unlike oral or rectal thermometers, which require placement in the mouth or rectum and can involve more time and potential discomfort, the tympanic thermometer offers a non-invasive and significantly faster option for temperature measurement. Mercury thermometers, while once commonly used for temperature measurements, have been largely phased out due to safety concerns associated with mercury exposure. Thus, the tympanic thermometer is the most appropriate choice for measuring body temperature via the tympanic membrane.