Show #105, December 2010

Preventing Infections When Monitoring Blood Glucose


FDA and CDC are alerting healthcare professionals about the risks of transmitting hepatitis B virus (HBV) and other infectious diseases when monitoring blood glucose.

In recent years, the FDA and CDC have seen an increase in reported HBV outbreaks associated with monitoring blood glucose. That is especially the case in long-term care settings, such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities, where residents often need someone to help monitor their blood glucose levels.

But this risk exists in any setting where blood glucose monitoring equipment is shared, or where those performing the monitoring do not follow basic infection control practices. This includes acute care facilities, as well as clinics, health fairs, shelters, detention facilities, senior centers, schools, and camps.

Reusable fingerstick lancing devices should never be used for more than one person to avoid the risk of transmitting bloodborne pathogens. But the glucose meters themselves can also pose an infection risk because it is hard to ensure that blood has been completely removed from these devices. For example, a multicenter survey published in 2005 showed that 30 percent of blood glucose meters used routinely in the surveyed hospitals had detectable blood on their surfaces.

So FDA and CDC recommend that whenever possible, blood glucose meters should be used for one patient only. If that is not possible, clean and disinfect the meters after every use according to the meter's labeling to prevent carry-over of blood and infectious agents. Even when following these precautions, be sure to wash hands and change gloves between patients. It is also important to remember that these recommendations apply to other point-of-care testing devices, such as PT/INR anticoagulation meters and cholesterol testing devices.

Additional Information:

* FDA MedWatch Safety Alert. Risk of Transmitting Bloodborne Pathogens. August 26, 2010.
Safety Alerts for Human Medical Products > Fingerstick Devices to Obtain Blood Specimens: Initial Communication - Risk of Transmitting Bloodborne Pathogens

* Thompson ND, Perz JF. Eliminating the Blood: Ongoing Outbreaks of Hepatitis B Infection and the Need for Innovative Glucose Monitoring Techniques. J Diabetes Sci Tehnol 2009;3(2):283-288.
http://journalofdst.org/March2009/Articles/VOL-3-2-ORG3-THOMPSON.pdf

Index Contents:
Recall of Procrit and Epogen
Certain vials may contain thin flakes of glass…

Expanded Recall of Multi-Med Huber Needles/Sets
Potential for the needles to core, which may damage a port and cause leakage…

BagEasy Resuscitation Devices Recalled
Disconnection could occur at the retention ring of the patient port manifold…

More Patient Burns from Dental Handpieces
FDA recommendations to prevent burns from electric handpieces…

Preventing Fires in the Operating Room
The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (APSF) best practices to reduce the risk of OR fires…

Sterility Issues with AVM Clips
How to avoid mix-ups between non-sterile and sterile aneurysm clips…

Don’t Use Infant Sleep Positioners
Infant sleep positioners are not necessary, and they can be dangerous…

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Show #105, December 2010