Sigma Metric Analysis
We don't often analyze hematology instruments. A study of a new miniature automated hematology analyzer system was published in the International Journal of Laboratory Hematology in 2015. So what are the goals for quality for hematology?
A 2015 study in Revista de Caldida Asistencial analyzed a new core laboratory chemistry analyzer and the importance of implementing an analytical quality control system.
When a point-of-care device is compared to a core laboratory analyzer, we assume the core laboratory analyzer is always "right". But what if we can't tell whether either the point-of-care method or the core lab method is correct? When methodology is not the same, how do you handle the differences and bias between devices?
A 2015 study compared the performance of two blood gas analyzers with a core laboratory instrument. Can we assume that our modern blood gas results will match the core labs results?
A 2014 article in the Nigerian Medical Journal assessed the Sigma-metrics of a chemistry analyzer. The results raise important questions.