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A retrospective study to evaluate the performance of internal quality control in a biochemistry laboratory using sigma metrics

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Original Article

Author Details : K P Mekhala*

Volume : 7, Issue : 4, Year : 2020

Article Page : 426-429

https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijcbr.2020.090

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Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the performance of internal quality control in a biochemistry laboratory using Sigma metrics.
Settings and Design: Data were extracted from December 2018 to November 2019 from a Tertiary care hospital, Coimbatore.
Materials and Methods: The data regarding internal quality control (IQC) and external quality assurance scheme (EQAS) were collected for 14 biochemical parameters. Sigma metrics were calculated using total allowable error (TEa), Coefficient of variance (CV) and percent bias for the above mentioned parameters.
Quality goal index (QGI) ratio was used to analyze the reason for the lower sigma in analytes.
Statistical analysis used: Coefficient of variance (CV) from the calculated laboratory means and calculated standard deviation. Sigma metrics was calculated from CV%, TEa and Bias. Quality goal index ratio was calculated from CV% and Bias.
Results: In this study four parameters AST, ALP, Triglycerides and Amylase with sigma values >6; Six parameters Total Protein, ALT, HDL, Glucose, Calcium and Cholesterol with sigma values 3 to 6 and four parameters Albumin, Uric acid, Creatinine, and Urea with sigma values <3>1.2 indicated inaccuracy.
Conclusions: In the present study Sigma value was highest for ALP (7.81) and lowest for Urea (1.27). Use of alternative methods can be done for the parameters whose sigma values less than 3 to improve their performance are recommended.

Keywords: Sigma metrics, Quality control, Tertiary care, Quality Goal Index.

How to cite : Mekhala K P , A retrospective study to evaluate the performance of internal quality control in a biochemistry laboratory using sigma metrics. Int J Clin Biochem Res 2020;7(4):426-429

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