Questions and Answers
What does External QC mean?
Every 24 hours check performance statstrip meter/whenever problems such as storage, operator, and instrument. Concerns of accuracy. 2 levels.
What is the expiration period for the Open StatStrip/Kit?
180 days or 6 months after opening or until manufacturer expiration date, whichever comes first.
What is the expiration period for Open QC Glucose Control Solutions?
90 days or 3 months after opening or until manufacturer expiration date, whichever comes first.
What type of blood specimen is collected for glucose testing?
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How should the glucose meter be cleaned?
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How many times should you disinfect the meter surface?
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When using PDI Sani-cloth AF, how long should the meter surface stay wet?
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Which wipes are used to disinfect C. difficile isolation patients?
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When should a comment be entered in the documentation?
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What is the glucose critical high value?
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What is the glucose critical low value?
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What should you do if repeat QC failed again?
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How are blood glucose results documented?
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In what color do blood glucose results appear for normal range?
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In what color do blood glucose results appear for low or high ranges?
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In what color do blood glucose results appear for critical low or high ranges?
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What are the levels for glucose solution?
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How long does it take for the Nova machine to read the results?
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True or False: Specimens from EDTA, citrate, I skate, and sodium fluoride sample tubes are acceptable.
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Once opened, how long are test strips good for?
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Once opened, how long are control solutions good for?
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Once opened, control solutions and test strips must be dated with open and expiration date.
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The test strip must fill completely upon touching the blood droplet. If it does not fill completely, do not touch the test strip to the blood droplet a second time.
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Study Notes
Quality Control and Expiration
- External QC should be performed every 24 hours or when any performance concerns arise, utilizing two levels.
- Open StatStrip kits expire after 180 days or the manufacturer's expiration date, whichever comes first.
- Open QC glucose control solutions expire after 90 days or the manufacturer's expiration date, whichever comes first.
Meter Operation and Maintenance
- Specimen collection requires capillary blood for accurate glucose testing.
- Clean the meter's external surface between patients with locally germicidal wipes such as PDI Sani-cloth AF or 70% isopropyl alcohol.
- Disinfect the meter by wiping top, bottom, left, and right surfaces a minimum of three times horizontally and vertically, avoiding sensitive areas like the barcode scanner.
- When using PDI Sani-cloth AF, the surface should stay wet for 3 minutes before air drying.
- Use Clorox wipes for disinfecting C. difficile isolation patients, with a minimum wet time of 5 minutes.
Quality Control Protocol
- If QC fails, a comment must be entered, and a repeat QC test is required. If it fails again, do not proceed with patient testing and contact the POCT Coordinator.
- Critical results also require comments for documentation.
Glucose Result Interpretation
- An abnormal high glucose result is indicated by a single upward arrow (⬆️), while a critical high value requires two arrows (⬆️⬆️).
- Abnormal low glucose results are marked with a single downward arrow (⬇️) and critical low values with two arrows (⬇️⬇️).
- Normal fasting glucose levels range from 70 to 90 mg/dl, and random samples should be between 70 and 140 mg/dl.
- Glucose critical high values are >400 mg/dl, and critical low values are <55 mg/dl.
Documentation and Reporting
- Document glucose results using smart phrases in the Enter/Edit section of the health system, specifically WLA or Doc.Flowsheet.
- Normal glucose results appear in blue, while low and high results appear in red. Critical values are indicated by two red arrows.
Testing Procedures
- QC solutions should be mixed before testing.
- The NOVA meter reads results in 6 seconds.
- Whole blood glucose testing via Nova StatStrip is intended for screening and monitoring.
- Preferred specimen collection methods are heelstick or fingerstick; venous or arterial blood is also acceptable.
Equipment Longevity and Proper Procedures
- Test strips and control solutions are valid for 180 and 90 days post-opening respectively, or until the manufacturer's expiration date.
- Documenting comments is mandatory for QC results out of range and for critical patient findings.
- Always record opened dates and expiration dates for test strips and control solutions.
Cleaning and Handling Guidelines
- Clean the meter with approved disinfectant wipes between patients, or use Clorox for isolation situations.
- If a test strip does not fill completely on the first try, discard it without retrying; use a new strip for the test.
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Description
This quiz will help you learn important terms and definitions related to glucose testing using the NOVA StatStrip Meter. You'll explore external quality controls, product expiration dates, and control solution guidelines. Perfect for healthcare professionals looking to improve their understanding of glucose monitoring.
