Glucose meters for multiple patient use

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Can anyone give me information on options in the marketplace for glucose testing on patients at clinics that don't need connectivity like the Roche, Nova, and Abbott meters used in hospitals?  Our outlying clinics don't perform many tests at all and we'd like to switch to something simpler when we switch to new meters in our hospital later this year.  I know that the Abbott Precision Xtra is indicated for multiple patient use.  My assumption is that since we have to follow manufacturer's guidelines per CLIA requirements that we could only use one of these types of meters if the manufacturer indicates it can be used on multiple patients.  But I'm receiving questions from those who will make the decision as to what we use about the small meters available in drugstores, etc. that individuals can use to monitor their glucose levels at home and why we cannot use those?  Just want to make sure I select something that is acceptable. 


 

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My thought, why not use what your facility already uses. Less headache for documentation for training and such. Also QC would be stored in the meter and retrievable if docked at the main facility, where as a home use meter would need paper documentation for the QC.


My situation is probably unique, because we have a Wound care center that uses our meters but no patients drop in the LIS, only QC and such, same for our outpatient Cardiac Rehab and the Nursing home. All users must be certified to use the meter, they just have different way to handle any critical values.



Also one of my concerns would be, with the size of the meter a person could inadvertently place it in their pocket and it could get lost



dave

Some accrediting agencies require healthcare facilities to use professional grade glucose meters, so you should check your regulations.

You cannot use single-use patient meters in multiple-patient situations. There have been notices from the FDA and CMS about it. I know that Nova and Abbott each have a meter that can be used for multiple patients but is not the big one most folks use in the hospital. Roche had a Performa meter but that is being taken off the market. They'll probably put out a replacement, but I haven't heard anything about that. You CANNOT use the drug store meters that are sold for single-patient use. This will be cited by CLIA/CAP, and I am assuming also TJC, though I'm not positive about that.

I am aware that we cannot use single-use meters and that both Nova and Abbott make meters for multiple use.  Just wanted to see if there were any other brands available on the market for multiple use.  I've explained to those who will be making the decision that we cannot use single-use meters from the drugstore, I just wanted to give them all the acceptable options.


Thanks!

Oh, and we are currently using the same meters at the offices that we use in the hospital and I do know how convenient that is.  They are just trying to save money but not having to spend so much for the meters. 

We use Nova Statstrip meters in our hospital and ED/UC locations, but our Flight For Life team wanted something simpler and lighter so we gave them the Nova Statstrip Xpress meters. They use the same strips and QC which was a plus for us too.

I have a similar issue. Looking at going with the Hemocue 201 Glucose analyzer. I know its bulky, but it is not as expensive as our hospital meters. Additionally it can be used for glucose tolerance testing when needed.

We use the Nova Statstrip Xpress2, works well.

Nova Statstrip Xpress 2.

Hi

David’s post triggered my post. Not at all refuting anyone else post! Or David’s... but I can answer from many years of overseeing outpatient, remote location testing sites, private practices within a health system.

Here is a go at ‘why not just use the connected meter’.

Expense- $700 or so on base and meter

IT - $500 or so for datadrop if no open/available data plugs or WiFi does not support

Low volumes can disrupt the meter/base working optimally (meter locks up, can’t run QC to get to ton mode)

Worry about operators using but not meeting comp assessment? It is far more likely they are winging using rapid flu and strep kits without QC - medical assistants/non licensed staff take glucose values seriously in ambulatory since they are usually only performing if urgently needed. Otherwise a lab panel is drawn and sent.

Losing meters? Haven’t lost one yet compared to - by comparison - our comparatively huge meters disappearing from inpatient

Lock out for operators - I have 90 I think outpatient sites... on the road a lot... no backup... how fast can I update middleware on the spot to unlock an operator and our system only gives one warning and it’s within a narrow reminder window- - not too fast and it’s after hours on my end in a constant grind.

The previous POC Director and I only considered 3 very small Pedi locations rarely needing a meter for using a non connected meter. The current POC Director doesn’t want us using this patient care meter. The lab does not have 3 meters sitting there to donate. It’s a problem to address shortly.

Off the top of my head using a cell phone to reply LOL so hope formatting works out to be readable.

Absolutely I’d rather have one meter in use regardless of distance of site from a campus hospital.

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