Application of Sigma Metrics for Evaluating the Analytical Performance of Thyroid Profile and Cortisol in Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory
Introduction: Now-a-days quality is the key aspect of clinical laboratory services. The six sigma metrics is an important quality measurement method for evaluating the performance of the clinical laboratory. Aim: To assess the analytical performance of clinical biochemistry laboratory by utilis...
Main Authors: | , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited
2020-12-01
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Series: | Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research |
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | https://jcdr.net/articles/PDF/14391/47345_CE[Ra]_F(Sh)_PF1(AG_SHU)_PFA(SHU)_PB(AG_SHU)_PN(SL).pdf |
Summary: | Introduction: Now-a-days quality is the key aspect of clinical
laboratory services. The six sigma metrics is an important quality
measurement method for evaluating the performance of the
clinical laboratory.
Aim: To assess the analytical performance of clinical biochemistry
laboratory by utilising thyroid profile and cortisol parameters from
Internal Quality Control (IQC) data and to calculate sigma values.
Materials and Methods: Study was conducted at Clinical
Biochemistry Laboratory, Dhiraj General Hospital, Piparia, Gujarat,
India. Retrospectively, IQC data of thyroid profile and cortisol
were utilised for six subsequent months (July to December 2019).
Coefficient of Variation (CV%) and bias were calculated from IQC
data, from that the sigma values were calculated. The sigma values
<3, >3 and >6 were indicated by poor performance procedure,
good performance and world class performance, respectively.
Results: The sigma values were estimated by calculating mean
of six months. The mean sigma value of Thyroid Stimulating
Hormone (TSH) and Cortisol were >3 for six months which
indicated the good performance. However, sigma value of
Triiodothyronine (T3), Tetraiodothyronine (T4) were found to be
<3 which indicated poor performance.
Conclusion: Six sigma methodology applications for thyroid
profile and cortisol was evaluated, it was generally found as
good. While T3 and T4 parameters showed low sigma values
which requires detailed root cause analysis of analytical
process. With the help of six sigma methodology, in clinical
biochemistry laboratories, an appropriate Quality Control
(QC) programming should be done for each parameter. To
maintain six sigma levels is challenging to quality management
personnel of laboratory, but it will be helpful to improve quality
level in the clinical laboratories. |
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ISSN: | 2249-782X 0973-709X |