Evaluation of Microbial Contamination of Glucometers and Glucose Test Strips Used in the Hospital

Introduction: The role of non-critical inanimate objects in bacterial transmission in the hospital setting is still debated. The aim of this study was to establish the possible presence of known bacterial pathogens on the surface of glucometers and glucose test strips. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 samples, including 68 glucometer surface swabs and 52 glucose test strips, were collected from various hospital patient care areas. Results: Of these 68 glucometers tested, 64 (94.1%) yielded positive culture, whereas 43 (82.6%) of 52 strips yielded positive cultures. Conclusion: Following the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for diabetes care procedures, our study concludes that medical equipment such as glucometers and glucose test strips should not be used for more than one patient because of possible transmission of potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Individually packaged test strips should be used to minimize the contamination risk in hospital setting