Failure to Properly Sanitize Multi-Resident Blood Glucose Meter
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly sanitize a blood glucose meter that was used for multiple residents. During a morning medication administration, a registered nurse used the blood glucose meter for one resident, placing the device and related supplies on the resident's unmade bed and bedside table without a clean barrier. After use, the nurse returned the meter to the medication cart without disinfecting it first, and when disinfection was performed, it was done with a Sani Cloth for less than the required wet time. The nurse did not follow the manufacturer's instructions, which require a two-step process using two wipes—one for cleaning and one for disinfecting—and a two-minute wet time for effective disinfection. Staff interviews revealed inconsistent knowledge of the required disinfection procedure and wet time. The facility's policy directed staff to use manufacturer-recommended wipes and follow product specifications but did not address the use of a clean barrier under supplies during blood glucose checks. The manufacturer's guidelines and CDC recommendations emphasize the importance of cleaning and disinfecting the meter between each resident to prevent the transmission of blood-borne pathogens. Documentation confirmed that multiple residents used the same blood glucose meter, and staff did not consistently follow proper cleaning and disinfection protocols as observed and described in interviews.