The FDA and CDC recently released information regarding fingerstick devices used by health professionals to get small blood specimens. They’re used primarily to test for hemoglobin, blood glucose and other blood components. Over the past 10 to 15 years, the FDA and CDC noticed an increase in the number of bloodborne infection transmissions. These infections, specifically hepatitis B, were caused by point of care (POC) and fingerstick blood testing devices.
The FDA and CDC have warned the health care industry about this threat. POC and fingerstick blood testing devices should not be used on more than one patient for multiple reasons, including the risk of improper use leading to contaminating the lancet blade. Even if the devices are thoroughly cleaned, it is very hard to remove all the blood. Blood left on the device can lead to bloodborne pathogen transmission between patients.
Healthcare professionals are advised to not use fingerstick or POC devices on more than one patient. In some cases, it is not possible to use a POC on only one patient. In which case, the device should be thoroughly cleaned according to the labeling. Healthcare professions and patients are asked to report side effects or adverse results caused by these products to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.
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