How to Use a Current, Minimum, Maximum Thermometer
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) requires that you monitor and document
temperatures (current, minimum, maximum) twice daily.
When choosing a thermometer please keep in mind:
■ Use a digital thermometer that is able to accurately record the highest and lowest temperature
reached since it was last reset, in addition to the current temperature at time of documentation.
These are commonly referred to as “min/max thermometers.”
■ Attach thermometer probe to a diluent vial and place in a box, similar to a vaccine box.
■ Position the box, containing thermometer probe, in the middle of the refrigerator. Secure with tape
to the middle shelf of refrigerator.
■ A dislodged probe can create a drastic change in temperature readings.
■ A thermometer with the IN-OUT option should always be set to the OUT position, which measures
the temperature inside the refrigerator. The IN position measures the temperature of the
environment occupied by the thermometer device (outside of the refrigerator).
5 Steps to Successful Fisher Scientific Digital
Min/Max Thermometer Reading
7 Steps to Successful Thermor Digital
Min/Max Thermometer Reading
To check temperatures:
1. Look at the thermometer. Current temperature is
displayed. In log book, document temperature, current
time and your initials.
2. Press “max-min memory” button.
In log book, document maximum
temperature.
3. Press “max-min memory” button.
In log book, document minimum
temperature
To reset thermometer*:
1. Press
“max-min
memory” button.
2. Press “clear” button,
you will see dashed lines.
3. Press “max-min memory” button.
4. Press “clear” button, you will see dashed lines.
* Always reset thermometer after checking and documenting the temperatures.
CDS-0276 11/10
To check temperatures:
1. Look at the thermometer. Current temperature is
displayed. In log book, document temperature, current
time and your initials.
2. In OUT position, press “min-max” button to view
maximum temperature. In log book,
document maximum temperature.
3. In OUT position, press “min-max”
button again to view
minimum temperature.
In log book, document
minimum temperature.
To reset thermometer*:
1. In OUT position, press and hold “min-max” button
for 3 seconds to clear the maximum temperature.
2. In OUT position, press and hold “min-max” button
again for 3 seconds to clear the minimum temperature.
* Always reset thermometer after checking
and documenting the temperatures.