Inadequate Cleaning of Glucometers
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective infection prevention and control program, specifically in the cleaning and disinfecting of glucometers, which are used to test blood sugar levels. The deficiency was observed on the third-floor medication cart, where a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) used a 70% isopropyl alcohol pad to clean the glucometer after use. This practice was contrary to the manufacturer's instructions, which required the use of an EPA-approved disinfecting wipe. The LPN stated that she used alcohol pads because she did not have any disinfecting wipes and was unaware that alcohol wipes were unacceptable for cleaning glucometers. The deficiency was confirmed during an interview with the Nursing Home Administrator and the Director of Nursing, who acknowledged the facility's failure to consistently implement the infection prevention and control program. The report references guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which emphasize the importance of proper cleaning and disinfecting of shared blood glucose meters to prevent cross-contamination and the spread of infectious agents.
Plan Of Correction
Upon notation, Employee E2 was immediately removed from the unit to be educated by the Director of Nursing of the proper procedure for infection control protocols. All residents that require blood glucose reading within the facility will be identified by the Director of Nursing/designee, and 1:1 education will be provided by the Director of Nursing/designee to all nursing staff. To prevent future occurrences, nurses will receive education by the Director of Nursing/designee on the proper infection control protocols as they relate to blood glucose readings. The Director of Nursing/designee will complete audits on each medication cart to ensure each cart has appropriate cleaning materials (disinfecting wipes containing bleach). The Director of Nursing/designee will shadow the nurse as the task is being performed to ensure proper infection control protocols are being followed at random with 4 Nurses 2x a week x 1 month; then monthly thereafter with reporting through Quality Assurance and Process Improvement Committee for review and/or recommendation ongoing.