Table of Contents
REQUIREMENTS #
- A tray containing the following:
- Blood glucose monitor/glucometer
- Test strip
- Lancet or needle
- Disposable gloves
- Cotton wool swab in a gallipot
- Receiver for used swabs
- Sharps container
STEPS #
- Check physicians order for the frequency of monitoring glucose level
- Identify patient and establish rapport (Refer to steps)
- Explain procedure (Refer to steps)
- Perform hand hygiene
- Check the functionality of the glucose meter and ensure reading is in mmol/L
- Set the tray and send to the bedside
- Select the site for glucose check (fingers/palmer area)
- Assess the selected site for any cut, callous, scars or rashes (if any is found choose an alternate site)
- Insert glucose strip into the glucometer and check for its functionality
- Wear disposable glove
- Clean the area with antimicrobial solution and allow to dry
- Stroke from the base of the finger/palmer area to fill the capillary tube and make the place warm
- Puncture the area using lancet or needle
- Drop blood on the glucose strip and allow to read
- Place dry swab on punctured area applying pressure about fifteen (15) seconds to stop bleeding
- After noting the reading on the glucometer remove the strip and dispose off
- Remove gloves
- Perform hand hygiene
- Discuss findings with the patient and appropriate officer
- Document on the appropriate recording software and observation chart (manual or electronic)
- Dispose off used items, decontaminate tray and place the glucometer in a safe area