Effect of Disinfectants on Glucose Monitors

Background: Monitoring blood glucose levels is an integral part of routine diabetes management. To minimize the risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens during monitoring, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that glucose meters be disinfected after each use whenever they are used to test multiple patients. The objective of this study is to assess the compatibility of some common disinfectants with certain blood glucose meter systems. Methods: We tested six disinfectants for adverse impact on meter performance or the exterior meter surfaces. The disinfectants tested were 0.525 % sodium hypochlorite, 20 % 2-propanol and 10 % ethanol, 17.2 % isopropanol, 55 % isopropanol, 70 % isopropanol, and hydrogen peroxide. To assess meter performance, we tested OneTouch® Ultra ® blood glucose monitoring systems with control solution before and after application of either water or disinfectant. To assess the effect on exterior meter surfaces, we performed a soaking test to simulate long-term exposure to disinfectant. Results