Lesson 17 — Endocrinology Assisting

1. Check the provider's order and collect the necessary equipment and supplies. Perform quality-control measures according to the manufacturer's guidelines and office policy.
2. Sanitize your hands and put on gloves.

   Purpose

   To ensure infection control.

3. Identify the patient by name and date of birth and ask the person to wash his or her hands in warm, soapy water, then rinse them in warm water, and finally dry them completely.

   Purpose

   To clean the area that will be punctured; also, warming the fingers may increase peripheral blood flow.

4. Check the patient's index and ring fingers and select the site for puncture (both forearm and fingertip testing can be done).

   Purpose

   To make sure the site of puncture is free of trauma.

5. Turn on the TRUEresult glucometer by pressing the ON button. No coding is necessary with this monitor; you do not have to match the code on the test strip vial with the code on the glucometer.
6. The glucometer should be preloaded with test strips. Before doing this, check the expiration date on the container of test strips. Push the test strip release button; a test strip is automatically in place.
7. Cleanse the selected site on the patient's fingertip with the alcohol wipe and allow the finger to air dry (this step is done in the healthcare setting to reduce infections but does not have to be performed by patients at home).
8. Perform the finger puncture and wipe away the first drop of blood.

   Purpose

   Tissue fluid may be present in the first drop of blood.

9. Apply a small blood sample (0.5 mL) to the end of the test strip.
10. Give the patient a gauze square to hold securely over the puncture site; apply an adhesive bandage if needed.
11. The glucometer automatically begins the measurement process, and results are obtained in as soon as 4 seconds.
12. The test result is shown in the display window in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
13. The patient can set up to four testing reminders on his or her personal glucometer; a ketone alarm signals when the blood glucose reading rises above a certain level.
14. The glucometer stores 30 daily average test results, up to 500 individual results, along with the date and time of each recording. Encourage patients to bring their personal glucometer to the clinic so the provider can review daily averages and previous test results.
15. The glucometer automatically turns off.
16. Discard all biohazardous waste in the proper waste containers.

    Purpose

    To ensure infection control.

17. Clean the glucometer according to the manufacturer's guidelines, disinfect the work area, remove your gloves and dispose of them properly, and sanitize your hands.
18. Record the test results in the patient's health record.

    Purpose

    A procedure is considered not done until it is recorded.

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L17-01 · Blood Glucose Test