Six Sigma is a quality management and improvement tool which estimates quality based on traditional parameters used in the clinical laboratory: allowable total error (TEa), precision and bias. Several sources for desirable TEa, including biological variation, proficiency testing and regulatory agencies, make it challenging for laboratories to identify the most appropriate quality target. The webinar will explain how sigma metrics are derived from the TEa target and the actual imprecision and bias of a particular assay/device. Discussion will include real life results obtained by various hematology analyzers as well as the impact on a laboratory’s quality control strategy of measuring the analytical performance using the Six Sigma scale.

 

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