Course Content

Purpose

Benchmarking measurement procedures using TE_A and the current method’s performance allows a laboratory to identify which methods are meeting quality specifications and which are not. In this activity, Sigma-metric and Critical Systematic Error (ΔSEc) are introduced.  Participants will review a site’s monthly summary report and perform an investigational analysis using instrument records and QC charts.

Key Message

• SEc indicates how far the mean can shift before quality performance requirements are exceeded.
• Benchmarking methods using a Sigma scale allows a laboratory to use their resources wisely.
• Good recordkeeping is essential in resolving QC problems.

Self Assessment

Can you: 

• Describe how SEc and Sigma indicate method performance relative to quality performance goals?
• Calculate SEc and Sigma?
• Use information gleaned from records to troubleshoot a QC issue?