How to Read a Chart Recorder
How It Works
Chart recorders consist of a graph wheel with replaceable graph paper and ink pens. The pens
mark the temperature on the graph paper as the wheel turns. The current temperature is at the
end of the line. Temperatures are recorded continuously, 24 hours a day. The wheels of the
most common models used for vaccine temperature monitoring make one full rotation every
seven days. The graph paper has Fahrenheit or Celsius scales on it and the temperature is
read where the ink line falls on the scale. Follow manufacturer instructions for loading the chart
to ensure that the chart references the correct time.
Chart recorder. Graph paper— Graph paper—range.
two-degree increments.
How to Read It
1. The graph contains two scales: one along the outer border of the paper that indicates the
day of the week and the time; the other radiating from the center of the graph, like the
spokes of a wheel, that indicates the temperature. The temperature will either be in
Fahrenheit or Celsius.
Temperature scale.
Day and
time scale.
Each graph contains two scales.
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2. To read the temperature for any point of interest along the recorded ink line, find the
nearest graph line that circles the center of the graph. Follow that circular graph line to the
temperature scale. The temperature is indicated by where the circular graph line intersects
the scale. Temperature scales come in different increments. On some graphs, the circular
graph lines represent 1-degree increments on the temperature scale. On other graphs, the
circular graph lines represent 2-degree increments.
Current temperature is 33°F (end of red line). Current temperature is 48°F (end of red line).
Each circular graph line represents 1 degree. Each circular graph line represents 2 degrees.
3. To read the day for any point of interest along the recorded ink line, find the nearest
curved line flowing from the center of the graph to the outside border. Follow the curved
line to the outside border to read the day of the week. Estimate the time of day from the
nearest curved line. The curved lines usually progress in 3-hour increments.
Nearest curved line to Follow curved line to outside Current temperature falls on the
temperature of interest (current border to reach the line halfway between the curved
temperature at end of red line). day and time scale. lines “Noon” and “6PM” under
“FRIDAY”, indicating
Friday, 3 p.m.
4. Record the current temperature on the temperature log. Note any out-of-range
temperatures and the action taken on the back of the log.
Note: Immediate action must be taken
to correct improper vaccine storage
conditions.
Front: Temperature Log for Vaccines. Reverse: Vaccine Storage Troubleshooting Record.
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5. Some charts (such as the one shown here) may have only a
white band (without circular graph lines) indicating the
recommended temperature range for vaccine storage. In this
case, you must still document that the temperatures were
checked twice daily and were in range. You may either:
a. Make a mark in the unshaded area of the temperature log
that corresponds to the position of the line on the chart
recorder graph (an approximation is acceptable, so long
Chart with only a white band
as the recorded temperature is within the recommended (without circular graph lines)
range); or indicating the recommended
temperature range.
b. Write "graph in range" or some similar notation in the appropriate column of the
temperature log.
6. All charts from recording thermometers must be kept with the temperature logs for a
minimum of 3 years. Charts should always be labeled with the date range before they are
place in the chart recorder and when they are removed.
7. Some graphing thermometers have both a recording wheel and a digital temperature
display. The reading from the digital display may not be the same as the temperature
recorded on the chart. In case of discrepancies, the charted reading on the certified
calibrated chart recorder is preferred over the digital reading, which uses a separate,
uncertified sensor.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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