Sigma Metric Analysis
A poster at the IFCC conference applied Sigma-metric analysis to a number of hematology methods, including differential parameters, on the Sysmex xt 1800i. Interestingly, they chose Biologic-based quality requirements, not the usual CLIA goals. We review the data and generate some graphic analysis.
Tight Glycemic Control is one of the latest trends in laboratory medicine - one that requires fast, frequent, and precise testing. A 2008 paper studied four different glucose methods, one POC, 2 blood gas, and one central laboratory hexokinase method. Can you guess which methods performed the best, and what methods were good enough to support TGC?
We take a look at data on a new mid-volume chemistry analyzer, based on data from an abstract at the 2009 AACC/ASCLS/CSCC meeting. If you buy the latest generation of chemistry instruments, does that guarantee you're getting world class methods?
We recently received a set of data for a chemistry analyzer. An analysis of these numbers gives us an eye-opening glimpse of real-world performance. On some tests, there were Sigma-metrics higher than 20! And yet on one test, the Sigma metric was actually below 1.0!! See which tests were good, which ones were great, and which ones were just plain ugly.
Now that we know how to translate the manufacturer's performance claims into Six Sigma metrics, let's take a hard look at some real-world data. With a performance study supplied by a "near-patient" chemistry anlayzer, we find out just how good (and how bad) performance of tests are when they're at the POC.