Failure to Consistently Calibrate Glucometers per Manufacturer Guidelines
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide or obtain laboratory services to meet the needs of its residents, specifically regarding the calibration and quality control of glucometers. Review of calibration logs for various hallways revealed inconsistent and infrequent calibration dates, with some logs missing or not readily available on medication carts. Interviews with nursing staff, including LPNs, RNs, and CMAs, indicated a lack of consistent understanding and adherence to the manufacturer's instructions for glucometer calibration. Some staff believed calibration was performed weekly by the night shift, while others were unsure of the frequency or location of calibration logs. The Director of Nursing confirmed that not all staff were authorized to perform blood sugar checks, as some had not been properly trained or passed off. Further interviews with the Regional Nurse Consultant and review of the glucometer manual confirmed that calibration and control solution testing should be performed weekly and under specific circumstances, such as when using a new bottle of test strips or if the accuracy of the meter was in question. However, the facility was not consistently following these requirements, as evidenced by the irregular calibration dates and staff uncertainty. This failure to adhere to manufacturer guidelines for glucometer calibration resulted in the facility not meeting the laboratory service needs of its residents.