Application of a six sigma model to evaluate the analytical performance of cerebrospinal fluid biochemical analytes and the design of quality control strategies for these assays: A single-centre study.

BACKGROUND

In this study, we applied a six sigma model to examine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biochemical analytes for the first time. Our goal was to evaluate the analytical performance of various CSF biochemical analytes, design an optimized internal quality control (IQC) strategy, and formulate scientific and reasonable improvement plans.

METHODS

The sigma values of CSF total protein (CSF-TP), albumin (CSF-ALB), chloride (CSF-Cl), and glucose (CSF-GLU) were calculated using the following formula: sigma = [TEa(%)-|bias(%)|]/CV(%). The analytical performance of each analyte was shown using a normalized sigma method decision chart. Individualized IQC schemes and improvement protocols for CSF biochemical analytes were formulated using the Westgard sigma rule flow chart with batch size and quality goal index (QGI).

RESULTS

The distribution of sigma values for CSF biochemical analytes ranged from 5.0 to 9.9, and the sigma values varied for different concentrations of the same analyte. The analytical performance of the CSF assays at the two QC levels is displayed visually in normalized sigma method decision charts. Individualized IQC strategies for CSF biochemical analytes were as follows: for CSF-ALB, CSF-TP and CSF-Cl, use 1 with N = 2 and R = 1000; for CSF-GLU, use 1/2/R with N = 2 and R = 450. In addition, priority improvement measures for analytes with sigma values less than 6 (CSF-GLU) were formulated based on the QGI, and their analytical performance was improved after the corresponding improvement measures were taken.

CONCLUSIONS

The six sigma model has significant advantages in practical applications involving CSF biochemical analytes and is highly useful for quality assurance and quality improvement.