Glucometer / Infection Control

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Have you all heard that this is a major issue this year with the DOH? We have 1 glucometer on each unit -6 finger sticks before breakfast and our trays arrive at 7:00. We now have glucometer wipoes that contain bleach. Our QI told me that the solution is supposed to sit for 5 mins to completely disinfect the unit. So we are supposed to hold the trays and do one finger stick every 5 mins? No one wants a glucometer for each resident "Who wants to run all of those controls?' O-please-night shift nurse sits at the desk and eats chips while she runs them now. The residents want breakfast fresh and hot. Our meter (I forget the brand-even through I use it every day) never touches the resident.The strip sticks out of the unit. I take the med cart to the bedside and use it's surface so the meter touches NOTHING but the top of the med cart.So what's the problem here? If I take the equipment to the bedside I have to lay out a clean field on the over bed table (a paper towel per our policy )and then wipe down the unit first with an alcohol wipe and then the bleach wipe. BUT THE UNIT NEVER TOUCHES THE RESIDENT. I can see using th bleach if you have visible blood on the unit but shouldn't alcohol be sufficient between each poke in this case?

Specializes in ER, progressive care.

Luckily we have multiple glucometers on my unit. I don't wipe them down after each use but after I'm done checking all of the blood sugars that I need to check I wipe them down with bleach wipes. I'm very careful with where I place the meter in the patient's room. I don't take the whole glucometer box in there, either - I just take a lancet, a strip, an alcohol pad and a cotton ball with me and the meter to the room.

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CapeCodMermaid said:
I called the company that makes the glucometers and had them send me a sheet on the proper way to disinfect...NO alcohol on the machine. It ruins the sensor. I was ready but the DPH had other priorities.

Well, crap. I have always, even before the new tags being issued, wiped it down with an alcohol pad between uses.

To everyone wondering about the other items: the concern is blood-borne pathogens. And I always wipe down my steth before and after use, same with my bandage scissors and clamps and sometimes the cuff on the sphyg.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Well I better check out the manufactures recommendations tomorrow....we use alcohol wipes b/t use on the glucometers. Housekeeping does disinfect the handrails and door knobs though already. We also clean blood pressure cuffs when visibly soiled. Getting ready to review my infection control policy and procedures for it's yearly review :eek:, so may as well make sure I get all of this covered.

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ktwlpn said:
During a mock survey recently a nurse dropped a pill on the floor,picked it up and BLEW ON IT then proceeded to administer it to the res.

:lol2: Well come on, if you blow the floor germs off, it should be OK right? :lol2:

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I know at one time, I was told that we could put the glucometer in a biohazard bag, so that it was covered, when we went into contact precautions rooms. That would "protect" it. Maybe that would be an option instead of waiting 5 minutes between sugars?

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Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.
CapeCodMermaid said:
We just finished survey. Infection control wasn't even mentioned and I know they knew we used a glucometer because they were all over our sliding scale insulin documentation. We never use bleach in long term care here. I called the company that makes the glucometers and had them send me a sheet on the proper way to disinfect...NO alcohol on the machine. It ruins the sensor. I was ready but the DPH had other priorities.

That's just the way it goes- We'll spin our wheels for the next month or so and then when they show up they won't mention it...That will be a laugh

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.

My state has posted all over that we will be given an IJ if glucometers not properly sanitized. That is just nuts! AN IJ!?!

I haven't been thru survey yet and so far haven't heard of any nearby facilities getting tagged for this - fingers crossed.

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Facilities in NYS have been tagged. The DON finally issued a policy yesterday.

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

As of six months ago, this wasn't a requirement in PA for LTC. Not sure if that's the case today.

Ironically, it was -- and still is -- for AL. Go figure.

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Specializes in LTC.
kmarie724 said:
Pretty soon we'll have to shower and change clothes in between every resident we come in contact with. :uhoh3:

Better yet...

"Hi there, I've come to do your finger stick!" fingerstick1Trellchem_SUPER_thumb.jpg 

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Ha-ha.

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We just got the "new" policy a few weeks ago.. NO Alcohol on Gluc. Has to be bleach sanitizer, have to lay out on a paper towel and wait 2 minutes to dry. Also requires a couple of glove changes. 14 of my 30 Residents are diabetic.. I have 2 finger sticks per shift... We are not allowed to take the med or tx cart into Res. rooms so I just hold it in my hand, it never touches anything, even the Res, or the Res. blood.

I do like the idea of 2 glucometers per cart, to save waiting time..

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