Short communication, Note

https://doi.org/10.11613/BM.2019.010902

Sigma metric revisited: True known mistakes

Abdurrahman Coskun orcid.org/0000-0002-1273-0604 ; Department of Medical Biochemistry, Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University, School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
Mustafa Serteser ; Department of Medical Biochemistry, Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University, School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
Ibrahim Ünsal ; Department of Medical Biochemistry, Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University, School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey

Abstract

Six Sigma methodology has been used successfully in industry since the mid-1980s. Unfortunately, the same success has not been achieved in laboratory medicine. In this case, although the multidisciplinary structure of laboratory medicine is an important factor, the concept and statistical principles of Six Sigma have not been transferred correctly from industry to laboratory medicine. Furthermore, the performance of instruments and methods used in laboratory medicine is calculated by a modified equation that produces a value lower than the actual level. This causes unnecessary, increasing pressure on manufacturers in the market. We concluded that accurate implementation of the sigma metric in laboratory medicine is essential to protect both manufacturers by calculating the actual performance level of instruments, and patients by calculating the actual error rates.

Keywords

laboratory error; normal distribution; sigma metric; Six Sigma; uniform distribution

Hrčak ID:

213860

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/213860

Publication date:

15.2.2019.

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