Improper Disinfection of Glucometer After Use
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a registered nurse failed to properly disinfect a blood glucose monitor after use on a resident with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus who was moderately cognitively impaired. During observation, the nurse was seen wiping the glucometer with an Oxivir TB wipe for only five seconds before placing it back in the insulin cart, despite stating that the required wet/contact time for disinfection was one minute. The nurse confirmed that the glucometer was not cleaned and disinfected for the full required time. The facility's policy and the disinfectant manufacturer's instructions both specify that reusable items, such as glucometers, must be cleaned and disinfected between residents with a one-minute wet time and allowed to air dry.