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SECTION
D
46
POLICY: PERFORMING A BLOOD GLUCOSE TEST
WITH THE ASSURE PLATINUM METER
Patients who require daily administration of insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents will
have:
• Glucose levels monitored using the Assure Platinum Blood Glucose Meter in accordance
with a physician’s order. When no physician’s order is present, registered nurse should
monitor at least daily.
• Fasting serum blood glucose test performed as ordered by the physician.
Patients with diet-controlled diabetes mellitus will have:
• Glucose levels monitored using the Assure Platinum Blood Glucose Meter in accordance
with a physician’s order. When no physician’s order is present, registered nurse should
monitor at least weekly.
• Fasting serum blood glucose test performed as ordered by the physician.
Level of Responsibility:
RN/LPN
Equipment Needed:
• Assure Platinum Blood Glucose Meter
• Assure Platinum Test Strips
• Safety Lancet
• Gloves
• Alcohol Wipe
Procedure:
Consult manufacturer’s direction for additional information regarding the use of the Assure
Platinum Blood Glucose Meter.
1. Verify physician’s order
2. Assemble equipment
3. Identify the resident
4. Explain procedure
5. Provide privacy
6. Wash hands
7. Insert a test strip to turn the meter on.
8. Put on non-sterile gloves.
9. Cleanse area that is to be punctured (side of fingertip) with an alcohol swab. Allow area to
dry.
10. Obtain blood sample
a. Follow manufacturer’s directions for preparing lancet. Do not touch sterile point.
b. Lightly hold lancet assembly against skin and lance the area.
c. Obtain a blood sample (a hanging drop of blood).
d. Dispose lancet according to facility procedure.
11. Apply blood to test strip.
a. Verify that the bottle of test strips has not expired and/or the bottle has not been opened
for longer than 90 days. Discard the bottle of test strips if it has expired and/or has been
opened for more than 90 days.
b. Touch the sample application tip at the end of the strip to the blood drop on your finger.
Capillary action will pull the blood into the strip. Do not smear the blood and do not
place blood on top of the reaction zone.