You Asked: Are there resources to help establish a policy for blood glucose meter use and disinfection?
We Answered: Yes. The FDA has released guidance for manufacturers outlining appropriate products and procedures for cleaning and disinfecting blood glucose meters. The FDA’s "Letter to Manufacturers of Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems Listed With the FDA" includes detailed disinfection recommendations.
An excerpt from the guidance reads:
“The disinfection solvent you choose should be effective against HIV, Hepatitis C, and Hepatitis B virus. Outbreak episodes have been largely due to transmission of Hepatitis B and C viruses. However, of the two, Hepatitis B virus is the most difficult to kill. Please note that 70% ethanol solutions are not effective against viral bloodborne pathogens and the use of 10% bleach solutions may lead to physical degradation of your device.”
A list of EPA-registered disinfectants effective against bloodborne pathogens is also available.
For additional guidance, visit the CDC’s Infection Prevention during Blood Glucose Monitoring and Insulin Administration page, which offers key infection control practices for point-of-care testing.