Glucometer Protocols

Glucometer protocols act to protect the diabetic before, during and after testing, and to prevent the transmission of blood-borne pathogens. According to ascp.com, individuals, health care facilities, health care providers and emergency personnel should read any documentation included with a glucometer on its use and proper cleaning techniques.

Infection Control

• In an online article on Diabetes Care Procedures and Techniques, The Centers for Disease Control set different protocols related to the cleaning and use of glucometers, finger stick devices and lancets, in order to minimize the risk of patient-to-patient contamination by blood borne pathogens. Glucometers should be decontaminated regularly and whenever the organization suspects contamination by blood or body fluids.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Glucometers

• ASCP's Summary of Glucometer Cleaning Guidelines, dated February, 2010, noted that long-term care facilities can be cited for inadequately cleaning or disinfecting glucometers used by multiple residents. ASCP has also researched individual glucometer manufacturers' cleaning recommendations, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines. The CDC suggests providing separate glucometers to each patient.

Purchasing Glucometers

• Glucometer readings may become less accurate as the batteries drain. The National Center of Veteran's Affairs website suggests that VA protocols for the purchase of glucometers should include specifications identifying vulnerabilities. Hospitals and other organizations should purchase glucometers from medical companies that design their devices using a systems approach and conduct usability testing. VA facilities should complete a pre-purchase evaluation to ensure that the devices comply with the VA patient information and computerized medical records system. It helps ensure that patient identifiers and test results are recorded efficiently.