TITLE:
Application of Sigma Metric Analysis to Evaluate the Performance of the Biochemistry Analytical System in a Medical Biology Laboratory in Côte d’Ivoire
AUTHORS:
Koffi Akissi Joelle, Kouakou Francisk, Kouadio Charlotte, Yeo Karna, Ahiboh Hugues, Hauhouot-Attoungbré Marie-Laure
KEYWORDS:
Six Sigma, Qualities Controls, Bias, Imprecision, Total Allowable Error
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Analytical Sciences, Methods and Instrumentation,
Vol.14 No.1,
February
23,
2024
ABSTRACT: Introduction: The Six Sigma methodology is an opportunity for a better understanding of
the performance of analytical methods and for a better adaptation of the
quality control management policy of the medical biology laboratory. Using the
sigma metric, this study assessed the performance of the Biochemistry
analytical system of a medical biology laboratory in Côte d'Ivoire. Methods:
Six Sigma methodology was applied to 3 analytes (alanine aminotransferase,
glucose and creatinine). Performance indicators such as measurement imprecision
and bias were determined based on the results of internal and external quality
controls. The sigma number was calculated using the total allowable error
values proposed by Ricos et al. Results:
For both control levels, ALT had a sigma number greater than 6 (7.6 for normal
control and 7.9 for pathological control). However, low sigma numbers, less
than or equal to 2 for creatinine (1.4 for normal control and 2 for
pathological control) and less than 1 for glucose were found. Conclusion:
This study revealed good analytical performance of ALT from the point of view
of 6 sigma analysis. However, modifications to the overall quality control
procedure for glucose and creatinine are needed to improve their analytical
performance. The study should be extended to the entire laboratory’s analytes in order to
modify the strategies of quality control procedures based on metric analysis
for an overall improvement in analytical performance.