HomeMy WebLinkAbout318.007 - GlucometerEffective Date: February 2023 Kevin Reynolds, Fire Captain
Current Revision Date: 06/11/2025 Section 318.007
Next Revision (2) Date: 06/11/2027 Page 1 of 6
Fresno City Fire Department
300 Training and Equipment Manual
SECTION 318.007 GLUCOMETERS
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to provide information to Fresno Fire Department (FFD
or Department) members on the use of Glucometers.
APPLICATION
Glucometers are carried in the EMS bag on engines, trucks, and squads and used to
determine a patient’s blood sugar level.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
Glucometers are used when providing EMT services. A Glucometer bag should be
inventoried during completion of the Standard Operating Procedures Manual Section
211.001, PSTrax.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Members should use the glucometer to determine a patient’s blood sugar in
accordance with the following CCEMSA policies:
510.13 ALTERED MENTAL STATUS AND SYNCOPE
510.15 SEIZURES
510.16 STROKE
PROCESS
The Microdot-Xtra glucometer is a tool used in patient care to confirm or rule out
diabetic issues when assessing the above listed conditions.
Effective Date: February 2023 Kevin Reynolds, Fire Captain
Current Revision Date: 07/11/2025 Section 318.007
Next Revision (2) Date: 07/11/2028 Page 2 of 6
Using the Glucometer:
1. Insert test strip (figure 1) into the glucometer by pushing the two contact
bars firmly (figure 2).
(Figure 1) (Figure 2)
2. To obtain a sample, prepare the sample site with an alcohol wipe,
typically the side of a finger. Prepare the safety lancet by twisting the
white cap off. Press the safety lancet into the patient’s finger. This
should produce a small drop of blood (figure 3).
(Figure 3)
3. Hold the glucometer with the inserted test strip to the drop of blood and
allow the sample to wick into the test zone. When the test zone is full,
the glucometer will beep and a ten second countdown starts on the
display. After the countdown, a blood sugar measurement will be
displayed (Figure 4).
Effective Date: February 2023 Kevin Reynolds, Fire Captain
Current Revision Date: 07/11/2025 Section 318.007
Next Revision (2) Date: 07/11/2028 Page 3 of 6
(Figure 4)
4. Removing the test strip by hand or by pressing the eject button, will turn
off the meter. Apply a band-aid to the patient’s finger, discard the test
strip and lancet.
Note: The test strip and lancet are not biohazard and can be
thrown into the trash.
INFORMATION
Glucometer Bag Inventory - (Figure 5)
• One (1) Glucometer
• Five (5) lancets
• Five (5) alcohol wipes
• Five (5) band aids
• Two (2) 2x2 sterile gauze
• 1 bottle of test strips
Effective Date: February 2023 Kevin Reynolds, Fire Captain
Current Revision Date: 07/11/2025 Section 318.007
Next Revision (2) Date: 07/11/2028 Page 4 of 6
Figure 5
The glucometer uses one CR2032 battery that can be replaced by removing the back
cover.
Glucometer supplies such as test strips, batteries and lancets can be ordered through
supply. Alcohol wipes, band-aids and 2x2 gauze can be restocked by EMS.
Control Testing:
Microdot-Xtra glucometers should be tested under the following criteria:
1. Monthly checks documented in the inventory system.
2. Any time a new vial of test strips is opened.
3. If the meter is dropped and does not appear to be working properly.
Testing is performed to ensure the test strips are functioning properly. Testing is
accomplished by using a control solution. Two bottles of control solution (Red=high
and Blue=low) are needed for testing (figure 6). Testing from each control solution is
needed to complete the testing process. Control solutions should be stored at stations,
not in the kit carried on the apparatus.
Effective Date: February 2023 Kevin Reynolds, Fire Captain
Current Revision Date: 07/11/2025 Section 318.007
Next Revision (2) Date: 07/11/2028 Page 5 of 6
(Figure 6)
The glucometer test strips are tested in the following manner:
1. Place a test strip in glucometer.
2. Shake one bottle (Blue or Red) of control solution and discard one drop.
3. Apply the second drop from the same bottle to the test strip and wait for
a reading to display (figure 7).
4. Compare reading to “control range” found on each bottle of test strips. If
the value displayed is outside of the listed range, attempt one more test
with the same control solution and a new test strip. If value is still outside
the expected range, it is likely the test strips are not performing as
designed. Confirm the expiration date on the solution and use a new
bottle of test strips for further testing.
5. If the glucometer continues to be outside of the expected range with the
new bottle of strips, replace the control solution and retest with that bottle
of strips. If readings are still out of range, place the glucometer out of
service.
6. Repeat this process with each control solution (high and low).
Effective Date: February 2023 Kevin Reynolds, Fire Captain
Current Revision Date: 07/11/2025 Section 318.007
Next Revision (2) Date: 07/11/2028 Page 6 of 6
(Figure 7)
An error message may be displayed during routine use of glucometers. Simply
restarting the process by inserting a new test strip can solve the problem.
Information on setting the date and time for the glucometer can be found in the user
manual along with information on using the device’s memory to scroll through previous
readings.
DEFINITIONS
This section intentionally left blank.
CROSS-REFERENCES
Central California Emergency Medical Services Agency, Policies
510.13 ALTERED MENTAL STATUS AND SYNCOPE
510.15 SEIZURES
510.16 STROKE
Link to user manual
https://www.microdotcs.com/assets/microdotxtra_operations-manual.pdf