Use of Capability Index to improve laboratory analytical performance.
* 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.
Pacific Laboratory Medicine Services (PaLMS), Northern Sydney Central Coast Health, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia. rbais@med.usyd.edu.au
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