HIT 301 Week 6 Discussion Board: Safety in Technology

What is a glucometer (Glucose Meter)?

Glucometer is a portable device, and it helps individuals monitor their blood sugar levels when they wish.

Who should use a Glucometer?

For all the individuals who have been diagnosed with any diabetes, regular monitoring of the blood glucose must be part of the treatment plan. In addition, such individuals need to monitor their glucose levels after exercising or eating.

When should one test the glucose level?

The frequency of testing the blood sugar level is contingent on the treatment plan and the type of diabetes that one has.

How to safely use a Glucometer at home?

In most cases, when such a device has been prescribed "over-the-counter," it is important to follow the FDA guidelines on the expected operation of such a device. For example, the 95% value depicted by such devices must be within 15% of a lab measurement, whereas 99% must lie within 20% of a lab measurement. In most cases, these devices come with a friendly user manual. In other cases, the clinicians can demonstrate to the patients how to use these devices.

Is it acceptable to use reusable finger-stick devices?

Because of the hygiene issues, the FDA recommends using auto-disabling, single-use finger-stick devices in the home setting where more than one patient uses the Glucometer. This prevents the needle injuries on the home care providers or the guardians. If reusable finger-stick devices must be used, the latter must be treated or disinfected the same as other patient care items.

What products or materials are recommended for cleaning or disinfecting Glucometer?

Recently, FDA released some guidelines to the manufacturers related to the suitable procedures and products for disinfection and cleaning of Glucometer. Therefore, the users must seek recommendations from the manufacturers, who might have different cleaning agents, depending on nature and technology used in their devices.

Where should Glucometer be stored?

For the devices dedicated to a single patient, they must be stored in the patient's room in a way that will guard against unintentional use for another individual or cross-contamination through contact with other equipment or meters. In addition, it should be stored in a cool, dry place and out of the children's reach.

If Glucometer does not come into direct contact with the patient, why does it need disinfection or cleaning?

The contaminants are all over the environment and around the user's body parts, including hands. Therefore, cleaning and disinfection are necessary to eliminate infectious agents like HBV, passed through indirect contact transmission.