Blood glucose meters or glucometers are a staple piece of medical equipment in long-term care facilities due to the large number of residents that have diabetes or other medical conditions requiring glucose monitoring. Because of the sampling method, there is a risk for cross transmission of blood from one resident to another with particular risk for acquisition of HIV, HBV, or HCV.

Recommended Practices for Preventing Bloodborne Pathogen Transmission during Blood Glucose Monitoring and Insulin Administration in Healthcare Settings

Fingerstick Devices

  • Restrict use of fingerstick devices to individual persons. They should never be used for more than one person. Select single-use lancets that permanently retract upon puncture. This adds an extra layer of safety for the patient and the provider.
  • Dispose of used lancets at the point of use in an approved sharps container. Never reuse lancets.

Blood Glucose Meters

  • Whenever possible, blood glucose meters should be assigned to an individual person and not be shared.
    • If blood glucose meters must be shared, the device should be cleaned and disinfected after every use, per manufacturer's instructions, to prevent carry-over of blood and infectious agents. If the manufacturer does not specify how the device should be cleaned and disinfected, then it should not be shared.

General

  • Unused supplies and medications should be maintained in clean areas separate from used supplies and equipment. Do not carry supplies and medications in pockets.

Insulin Administration

  • Insulin pens should be assigned to individual persons and labeled appropriately. They should never be used for more than one person.
  • Multiple-dose vials of insulin should be dedicated to a single person whenever possible.
    • If the vial must be used for more than one person it should be stored and prepared in a dedicated medication preparation area outside of the patient care environment and away from potentially contaminated equipment.
    • Medication vials should always be entered with a new needle and new syringe.
    • Dispose of used injection equipment at point of use in an approved sharps container. Never reuse needles or syringes.

For more information, visit the dedicated CDC website.

 J. Hudson Garrett Jr., Ph.D, is the director of clinical affairs at PDI Healthcare.