Glucometer

Question 1

What is a glucometer used for?

Answer 1

Rapid bedside assessment of blood glucose levels

The glucometer provides measurement of approximate whole blood glucose level to direct treatment for patients with mild to severe hypoglycaemia.

This is because hypoglycaemia directly contributes to morbidity and mortality esp in neonates?

Question 2

When should blood glucose be tested?

Answer 2

Routinely for newborns on admission.
AND
When signs of hypoglycaemia are present.

Question 3

How does a glucometer work?

Answer 3

It uses strips with glucose oxidase electrodes which generate a current proportional to the level of blood glucose reacting with the glucose oxidase.This is then measured and analysed to determine blood glucose levels in mmol or mg/dl.

Question 4

two types of glucometers?

Answer 4

1.Portable
2.Benchtop

Question 5

Glucose levels in neonates and adults?

Answer 5

Neonates- should not fall below 2.5mmol(/45mg/100ml)
Adults-should not go beyond…
5.6mmol/L(100mg/DL)

Question 6

How do you ensure the device gives accurate results?

Answer 6

1.Glucometer strips must not be expired.
2.Blood sample must be adequate

Question 7

How do you prepare to test blood glucose with a glucometer?

Answer 7

First prepare the glucometer for the patient by:
1.Gather equipment
2.Wash hands
3.Wear gloves

Then prepare the patient.

Question 8

How do you prepare patient for a blood glucose test?

Answer 8

1.Assses the patient for clinical conditions associated with hypoglycaemia.
2.Clean the patient’s skin of a finger using a cotton wool soaked in alcohol.For neonates clean the outer edge of the patient’s heel.
3.Allow the alcohol dry before testing.

Question 9

What are something things to avoid when testing a patient’s blood glucose?

Answer 9

1.Samples should not be taken from the finger of a newborn.
2.Avoid areas of skin that are:
inflamed/infected
Oedematous
poorly perfused

Question 10

Ways to prevent infection?

Answer 10

1.Wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol before and after handling equipment used on patient.
2.Wear gloves
3.Disinfect area of skin where sample will be taken.
4.Wipe glucometer with alcohol in between patients.
5.Dispose used lancet in sharps container.
6.Dispose strip on hazardous waste container.

Question 11

Complications when using a glucometer?

Answer 11

1.Bruising
2.Bleeding
3.Infection
4.Falsely high readings
5.Nerve or bone damage
6.Expired glucose strips

Question 12

Describe how you could care for your device?

Answer 12

1.Make sure device is charged.
2.Store device in a cool,dry place which is accessible and won’t get lost.
3.Prevent infection by wiping with alcohol.

Question 13

What do you do when the glucometer is not turning on.

Answer 13

Try charge it or insert the glucometer strip.If it’s still not turning on then take to maintenance department.