Posted By Chris on September 26, 2010
The CDC web site reports outbreaks of viral hepatitis among Diabetics in long-term care; these outbreaks are attributed to breaks in infection control practices, namely the sharing or improper disinfection of glucose monitoring devices. These are nursing performance issues.
Here is an excellent link to the CDC website page regarding Glucose Monitoring Devices and Transmission of Viral Hepatitis.
Compliance with infection control recommendations for fingerstick glucose monitoring is based on:
- Following the manufacturer’s instructions for use and decontamination
- Effective hand hygiene and glove changes between patients
- Frequent clinical supervision with observance of nursing procedures.
The FDA also warns of the risk of infection with Blood Borne Pathogens during insulin dosing: The FDA/Transmission of Blood Borne Pathogens from Shared Use of Insulin Pens.
- Revisit and familiarize nursing staff with insulin testing and administration.
- Encourage those who are reasonably expected to come in contact with blood and body fluids, to get the Hepatitis B vaccine.
- Remind Nurses Hepatitis B is the only preventable Blood Borne Pathogen Infection. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C or HIV/AIDS.
Categories: Infection Prevention in LTC
Tags: Blood Borne Pathogens and Insulin Pens, Glucose Monitoring Devices and Transmission of Hepatitis, Vaccine safety
About the author
Hello, my name is Chris Walter. I am a Registered Nurse with experience in several nursing specialties including Surgery, Case Management, Legal Nurse Consulting, Community Health, and Infection Prevention and Control. I have a BSN and a Public Health Nursing Certificate (PHN) in the stateof California.
My hope is to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and resources with Health Care Workers who have an interest in the specialty of Infection Prevention and Control in Long-term Care. Please feel comfortable contacting me at icpreventionist@aol.com and share your comments with The Preventionist as well.
I consider myself a perpetual student, rather than an expert. My intent is to provide information based on recommendations from the masters of infection control and prevention such as;
• The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (A.P.I.C.)
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• State Department of Public Health
All information contained within The Preventionist site is strictly for informational purposes only. None of the statements on this site are to be considered a recommendation for treatment of any particular disease or health related condition.
Definitely a great write-up about the subject, keep up the great work and also I hope to read a lot more within you in the long run.
Thank you for your comment. Are there any subjects you’d like to see discusssed?
CW