Implementation of a successful bedside capillary blood glucose monitoring program by registered nurses in an acute care facility.

This paper describes the process of implementing a successful bedside capillary blood glucose monitoring (CBGM) program in an acute care, university- affiliated, general hospital. A quality-assurance program was established that included simulta neous laboratory analysis and bedside analysis of the same specimen. Results were correlated over a 12-month period (r = .92). The findings suggest that sustained positive results are possible in a well-planned bedside CBGM program by registered nurses if the nursing staff receives adequate preparation and partici pates in an ongoing quality- assurance program.