Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. USE OF BLOOD GLUCOSE METERS POLICY: • Only those nurses who have successfully completed the skills checklist will perform blood glucose monitoring, and Glucose meter Calibration. • Blood glucose tests are performed as ordered by the physician, but not less that one time a week. • The results are reported to the physician per specific patient parameters, or if less than 70 mg/dl or greater than 250 mg/dl. • Universal precautions are to be maintained during the entire procedure. • Calibration (performed at least weekly following manufacturer guidelines), equipment testing, equipment cleaning and strip replacements guidelines are to be followed prior to testing per agency and/or manufacturer * s guide lines. PROCEDURE: • Equipment: I. Blood Glucose Meter 2. Disposable Lancet and blood sampler device 3. Test Strip 4. Disposable latex gloves 5. Sharps container 6. Cotton balls 1. Explain the procedure to the patient/caregiver. 2. Assemble the equipment in a clean area. 3. Instruct the patient to wash hands with soap and water and dry, immediately prior to testing. 4. Wash hands with soap and water, dry and don latex disposable gloves. 5. Turn on blood glucose meter. 6. Calibrate meter per manufacturer * s instructions, if indicated, 7. Change and/or set test strip codes per manufacturer * s instructions as indicated. 8. Check expiration date for test strips. Strips which are outdated or left open to air cannot be used. Home Health Agency Nursing Care & Procedures K-31