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Based on observations and interviews the facility failed to ensure the glucometer quality control testing solutions were dated when opened on 2 of 4 patient care floors observed (floors 5 and 6).

Findings include:

Reference:

Nova StatStrip Glucose Control Solution provided by director of quality read, Precautions: use only for 3 months after first opening. When first opening the bottle count 3 months forward and write the date on the label. Discard any remaining solution after that date. Expiration: Once opened solutions will be stable for up to 3 months. Control solution is good for only 3 months after opening.

The facility failed to ensure staff dated the glucometer low testing solution when opened.

1. A tour was conducted, on 2/26/18 beginning at 9:28 a.m., on patient care floors 5 and 6. An observation in the nurse medication room revealed one low glucose quality control testing solution was not dated on each floor.

A subsequent tour was conducted, on 2/27/18 at 9:25 a.m., on patient care floor 5. An observation in the nurse medication room revealed the same low glucose quality control testing solution was not dated as observed the day before. Additionally, observation of one high glucose quality control solution showed it was not dated when opened.

a. Registered Nurse (RN) #24 was interviewed, during the tour on 2/27/18 at 9:25 a.m. She stated the undated glucose quality control solution would have to be thrown away. She then tossed the solution container into the trash can. She reported if there had not been a date on the bottle one would not know when the solution expired. RN #24 stated all the diabetic patients on the floor would have had to be re-tested. She said that was because the diabetic patients tested would not have had accurate results.

b. RN #21, who was also the Charge RN, was interviewed on 2/27/18 at 9:38 a.m. She reported all strips, and quality control solutions for the glucometer were to be dated when opened. RN #21 stated the solutions were dated so the staff would know if the solution had expired. She said if the solution had expired the facility could not have ensured the patient received an accurate test. RN #21 stated for patient safety the facility always wanted to perform an accurate test.