Failure to Properly Disinfect Glucometer Between Resident Uses
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper cleaning and disinfection of a glucometer during routine fasting blood sugar checks for one resident. Observations revealed that a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) used alcohol wipes, rather than an EPA-registered disinfectant, to clean the glucometer after use. Interviews with additional staff confirmed that alcohol wipes were being used on at least one medication cart, and that EPA-registered disinfectant wipes were not available on that cart. Manufacturer instructions for the Assure Platinum blood glucose monitoring system specify that the meter should be cleaned and disinfected between patient use with an EPA-registered disinfectant wipe, and that alcohol wipes alone are not sufficient. Further interviews with staff, including another CMA, an LPN, the Infection Preventionist, and the Director of Nursing, revealed inconsistent practices and understanding regarding the proper cleaning protocol for glucometers. While some staff described using the correct germicidal wipes and alternating between two glucometers to allow for proper drying time, others continued to use alcohol wipes or lacked access to the appropriate disinfectant wipes. This inconsistent adherence to infection prevention protocols resulted in a failure to properly disinfect the glucometer between uses, as required by manufacturer guidelines and facility policy.