Performance Analysis of Clinical Chemistry Laboratory Using Sigma Metrics in the Total Testing Process at Dessie...

Clinical laboratory test results in clinical decisions have become a fundamental element of clinical practice, with laboratory results influencing approximately 70% of decisions. The sigma metrics method is used to evaluate all stages of the testing process in clinical chemistry laboratories.

This study aims to assess the performance of the clinical chemistry laboratory using sigma metrics across the total test process at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024. The study included all the eligible laboratory samples and corresponding test requests during the study period, selected using consecutive sampling techniques. Data for each variable were collected using a prepared checklist and record format by trained laboratory professionals. The data were entered into EPI Data version 3.1 and analyzed using Stata version 17. Laboratory performance was evaluated using the sigma metrics.

The overall performance of the clinical chemistry laboratory was inadequate, with an overall sigma value of 2.9. The laboratory showed marginal performance in the analytical phase (3.5 sigma value) and low performance in the pre-analytical and post-analytical phases (2.8 and 2.9 sigma, respectively). However, most clinical chemistry parameters demonstrated satisfactory sigma metric values (≥ 3).

The hospital administration should provide training for all staff involved in laboratory sample collection and processing, focusing on quality control, reagent handling, and adherence to SOPs, along with continuous performance monitoring.