What is your employer's policy and procedure on fingerstick blood glucose testing?
My employer doesn't have a policy and procedure on this and my co-workers and I are all in debate as to whether it is okay to clean the finger w/ alcohol wipes, as long as you let the finger dry, versus having the patient wash their hands. Is there documented evidence that alcohol interferes w/ results?
I've searched the ADA and CDC for their recommendations but haven't found anything yet. If anyone can point me to some documented guidelines I'd appreciate it!
I want to thank the OP for starting this thread. As a CNA I am responsible for getting BS in the am and when a nurse requests. I always wipe with an alchohol wipe first but I must admit that I don't always wait for the alcohol to completely dry. Well, this weekend when I did BS I waited and I did not fan or blow on the finger. I love it when I learn stuff!
BTW, staff development told me that we do not have to use alcohol wipes at all. Anyone else heard this? I still use them though.
MrChicagoRN, RN
2,610 Posts
I prefer the pt wash first.
If not convenient, I'll use a wipe, let it dry, stick, then wipe off the first drop with a 2x2.
Test with drop #2