Six Sigma Metrics and Quality Control in Clinical Laboratory

Abstract

Quality control in healthcare system is still less understood because of the relative complexity in choosing an appropriate Westgard rule .Six Sigma methodology is a manufacturing strategy first pioneered by Motorola Company in 1980s, with the goal of decreasing the defect rates in production .It has improved the production efficiency of different industries. To achieve the similar high quality and near zero defect rates in healthcare system, six sigma metrics is being used in many clinical laboratories and diagnostic industry. Six sigma metrics is used in combination with total allowable error (CLIA '88 proficiency testing criteria), method imprecision and bias. The goal is to attain the highest possible sigma scale within the acceptable limits of total allowable error. This article reviews the different Westgard control rules and their implications in pointing towards a particular error, as well as basic principles of Six Sigma methodology & their practical utility in the clinical laboratory.