FAQs: Blood Glucose Meter Disinfection

If surveyors were to walk into your building today, would you be able to avoid a citation at Tag F441, which requires that each “facility must establish and maintain an infection control program designed to provide a safe, sanitary and comfortable environment and to help prevent the transmission of disease and infection”?¹

Facilities are frequently cited at F441 for the way that they disinfect their blood glucose meters. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), meters can become contaminated with blood and, if used for multiple residents, must be cleaned and disinfected after each use according to manufacturer’s instructions.² Is this happening in your building?

We’ve assembled the following frequently asked questions to help you ensure that your disinfection procedure both meets professional standards and protects your residents.

What do I need to use to disinfect the meters?

Blood glucose meters should be disinfected with an EPA-registered antimicrobial that is effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Human HIV-1 and the Hepatitis B and C viruses.³ You can find the EPA’s list of approved products here.

Can’t I just use alcohol pads to disinfect my meters?

No. Alcohol pads are not effective against viral bloodborne pathogens.³

What about bleach?

A 1:10 bleach solution is effective against microbes, but it’s important to note that it can also lead to the physical degradation of blood glucose monitors.³

Do I need to use multiple wipes to clean the meters?

If the surface of the meter is visibly soiled, you should use a wipe to remove gross soil and a second wipe to disinfect the surface.

What does “contact time” mean?

Contact time is the total time that a disinfectant solution needs to remain wet on the surface of the meter to achieve all of its stated efficacy kill claims. The contact time can be located on the product label.

Our highly trained territory managers are ready to help you with your disinfection protocols. To connect with us, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 or visit us online at promedsupply.com.

References

1 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. State Operations Manual Appendix PP – Guidance to Surveyors for Long Term Care Facilities. Available at: http://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107ap_pp_guidelines_ltcf.pdf. Accessed May 8, 2013.

2 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Point of Care Devices and Infection Control in Nursing Homes. Available at: http://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/downloads/scletter10_28.pdf. Accessed May 8, 2013.

3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Letters to Manufacturers of Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems Listed With the FDA. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/InVitroDiagnostics/ucm227935.htm. Accessed May 8, 2013.