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Updated: Jun 29, 2026

Procedure and Key Optimization Strategies for an Automated Capillary Electrophoretic-based Immunoassay Method
Published on: September 10, 2017
Use of Capability Index to improve laboratory analytical performance
1Pacific Laboratory Medicine Services (PaLMS), Northern Sydney Central Coast Health, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia. rbais@med.usyd.edu.au
Abstract:
* For detection of errors where the standard deviation is wide compared to clinical requirements, consider use of the Capability Index (Cps). * Cps is defined as 'Allowable Limit of Error divided by the standard deviation of between-batch QC measurement'. * 'Capable' assays have Cps >4 compared with 'incapable' ones with Cps <4. * Capability of an analyte can be used to optimise the amount of quality control (QC) required and still maintain appropriate error detection. * For EQA material, Cps can be used for continuously monitoring individual analytes, comparing laboratory performance with peers and comparison with industry-wide performance. * The capability approach can result in reducing the number of QCs run per day, reducing costs as well as significantly improving the performance of a number of assays.
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