Improper Disinfection of Glucometer Between Residents
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) failed to properly disinfect a glucometer according to the manufacturer's instructions after performing a blood sugar check for a resident. The LPN used an alcohol wipe to clean the glucometer between residents, rather than the required bleach-based germicidal wipes specified by the manufacturer. The facility's protocol, as described by the Infection Preventionist (IP) Nurse, required the use of bleach solution wipes with a three-minute dwell time between each resident, and the use of two glucometers to allow for proper drying time. However, the observed practice did not align with these instructions or the facility's policy. Interviews with the Director of Nursing (DON) and the IP Nurse confirmed that the expectation was for staff to disinfect glucometers between each resident using bleach wipes, not alcohol wipes. The failure to follow the correct disinfection procedure was observed directly and confirmed through staff interviews and review of the manufacturer's instructions. This practice had the potential to place residents at high risk for infection, as proper disinfection between uses was not performed.