Evaluation of The Total Quality Performance of Our Clinical Laboratory With Six-Sigma Method

Authors : Muzaffer KATAR, Köksal DEVECİ, Zeliha Cansel ÖZMEN

Pages : 34-40

Doi:10.16899/jcm.770304

View : 27 | Download : 15

Publication Date : 2021-01-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aim: In order to evaluate the performance of the clinical laboratories, a quality measurement method, The Six-Sigma Methodology, is used. We aimed to evaluate the analytical performance of our clinical laboratory by using the internal and external quality control data of 28 analytes, and by calculating their process sigma values. Methods: Sigma values of 28 analytes of our laboratory were determined from coefficient of variation (CV %) and bias for 3 subsequent months from December 2018 to January 2019. If the sigma values are >6, between 3 and 6, and <3, they are classified as »world-class«, »good« or »un-acceptable«, respectively. Results: 6 (21%) analytes; T Protein, Creatinin, Ca, Na, Cl, HbA1c; provided <3 sigma value, 1 (04%) analyte; lipase; provided between 3-6 value and 11 (39%) analytes; amylase, GGT, ALT, LDH, CRP, Lactate, BUN, Direct Bil., T Bil., CK and CK-MB; provided > 6 sigma value for both IQC1 and IQC2 levels for three consecutive months, respectively. Conclusions: In terms of Six-Sigma Metrics; our results were generally found as world-class or good. An appropriate quality control scheduling should be carried out for each test by using Six-Sigma Methodology in all clinical chemistry laboratories.
Keywords : Internal Quality Control, External Quality Control, Six Sigma, Variation Coefficient, Standard deviation, Bias