Failure to Follow Infection Control Procedures for Shared Glucometer
Penalty
Summary
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) was observed performing a blood glucose assessment for a resident using a shared glucometer. After completing the assessment, the LPN placed the glucometer directly on top of the medication cart without using a barrier, contrary to facility policy. The LPN then used a hand sanitizing wipe, rather than the approved disinfecting wipe, to clean the glucometer and wrapped it in the wipe before placing it into a plastic cup. During an interview, the LPN confirmed that hand sanitizing wipes were used for cleaning the glucometer after use. The Director of Nursing (DON) later clarified that the facility's policy requires the use of specific germicidal wipes for disinfecting shared glucometers and mandates the use of a clean barrier when placing the device on solid surfaces. The DON confirmed that the hand sanitizing wipes used by the LPN were not the approved type for disinfecting glucometers. The facility's policy also specifies that the glucometer should remain wet with the disinfectant for the recommended contact time and be allowed to air dry on a clean barrier before reuse. These procedures were not followed during the observed incident.