Failure to Use Germicidal Wipes for Glucometer Sanitization
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) failed to properly sanitize a glucometer after performing a blood sugar check on a resident with diabetes mellitus type 2 and chronic kidney disease. The LVN used an alcohol prep pad to clean the glucometer instead of the required germicidal wipe, as observed during a medication administration. The LVN stated that she believed using an alcohol prep pad was an acceptable method for sanitizing the glucometer. The facility's policy required the use of a germicidal wipe to clean and allow the glucometer to air dry between patient testings. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that the use of alcohol prep pads was not compliant with facility policy and could result in cross contamination. The administrator also acknowledged that the proper procedure was not followed, as the germicidal wipe was necessary for effective sanitization.