Glucometer preference?

[nursekoll, BSN, RN]

I'm looking to order a glucometer for our school district. We have only 2 T1D students and both are pretty good about keeping their supplies with them, but I though it would be a good idea to have one at school in case of malfunction or forgetting one of theirs.

Do other schools keep a glucometer and supplies?

What are your favorite most cost-effective brands of glucometers?

Are there regulations for using it to test blood sugar on a non-diabetic student (that complains of feeling dizzy or lightheaded and didn't eat breakfast for example)?? parent call first maybe?

Thanks for your insight!

[peacockblue]

I like the disposable kind with the meter in the cap. That way, I can replace it every year. We would consider blood sugar testing invasive and would not test without a doctor order. If they are lightheaded from not eating, I feed them. If it happens again, I touch base with the parent and let them know.

[KKEGS, MSN, RN]

My 2 middle school T1Ds are NEVER without their supplies so we don't keep a backup. My 2nd grade T1D keeps a glucometer at school along with all testing supplies.

We do not test blood sugar without a doctor's order.

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

kschenz said:

My 2 middle school T1Ds are NEVER without their supplies so we don't keep a backup. My 2nd grade T1D keeps a glucometer at school along with all testing supplies.

We do not test blood sugar without a doctor's order.

That can be written into the care plan.

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

Whatever's cheapest, to be honest. The first I got donated from the hospital. My most recent one came from Kroger. I replace every 18 months or so. I think the glucometers are used once or twice a year if a kid forgets (I have six diabetics in varying stages of independence).

If I suspect hypoglycemia I treat with fruit juice. I don't have standing orders to do anything on any kid.

[OldDude]

I have a cheap glucometer but I use it sparingly with staff; with their permission or request. Like these guys said above, a MD order is required otherwise. Diabetes management plans at school requiring BG monitoring include the parent providing the monitor which is approved by the physician. So, I'd advise not using any glucometer other than what is provided by the parent. If it goes back and forth between home and school and they forget it, have them bring it or pick the kid up from school. If it malfunctions, have them bring another one or pick the kid up from school.

[KKEGS, MSN, RN]

I just meant I would not check a blood sugar on a non-diabetic student even if I suspected low blood sugars. Basically what everyone else said. I don't have standing orders for that kind of thing.

[AdobeRN]

I have the cheapest from one of the school nursing catalogs that I keep in my emergency bag - only had to use it once on one of my T1Ds when we were stuck outside for over an hour after the fire alarm went off due to an A/C fan issue. My T1Ds all have their own supplies and are responsible for restocking them.

We need a doctor's order to test blood sugars and even then parents will need to supply the glucometer & strips. If I have a student that I suspect of low BG - I give them juice, have them rest and contact parent.

[SassyTachyRN]

We keep a meter in every school, in case the kids malfunctions or if they're older they forget theirs. However, our local docs always write for a meter at home and then they give the family a meter for school to keep at school, so pretty much every kid keeps at school. We buy strips in bulk and replace prn. Reli On provides free control solution, we just call when we need it and they mail it. We keep glucose tabs, juices and ketone strips in each clinic as well. Some nurses put icing in their emergency bags.

[QuackPack]

I am not a school nurse.

But I am partial to the One Touch Products and like the fact they offer an option for patients to get a free meter who may not have insurance etc..

I know many insurance plans cover a new meter every 6 mos. The meters are not the cost, its the testing strips that cost the most.

I dont know what the policies are for schools as far as testing children. My background is ED so no worries there. But I could see how in some cases a school district could consider that invasive etc..

I still think its a good idea for a school to have a back up though.

[Windchaser22]

I have a backup one touch. Each of my T1's has their own supplies and carry a go bag that has an extra meter in it so mine is really redundant. I'd never check a BG without an order.