title: A Lean Six Sigma approach to the improvement of the selenium analysis method.
abstract: Reliable results represent the pinnacle assessment of quality of an analytical laboratory, and  therefore variability is considered to be a critical quality problem associated with the selenium  analysis method executed at Western Cape Provincial Veterinary Laboratory (WCPVL). The  elimination and control of variability is undoubtedly of significant importance because of  the narrow margin of safety between toxic and deficient doses of the trace element for good  animal health. A quality methodology known as Lean Six Sigma was believed to present the  most feasible solution for overcoming the adverse effect of variation, through steps towards  analytical process improvement. Lean Six Sigma represents a form of scientific method  type, which is empirical, inductive and deductive, and systematic, which relies on data,  and is fact-based. The Lean Six Sigma methodology comprises five macro-phases, namely  Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control (DMAIC). Both qualitative and quantitative  laboratory data were collected in terms of these phases. Qualitative data were collected by  using quality-tools, namely an Ishikawa diagram, a Pareto chart, Kaizen analysis and a Failure  Mode Effect analysis tool. Quantitative laboratory data, based on the analytical chemistry  test method, were collected through a controlled experiment. The controlled experiment  entailed 13 replicated runs of the selenium test method, whereby 11 samples were repetitively  analysed, whilst Certified Reference Material (CRM) was also included in 6 of the runs.  Laboratory results obtained from the controlled experiment was analysed by using statistical  methods, commonly associated with quality validation of chemistry procedures. Analysis of  both sets of data yielded an improved selenium analysis method, believed to provide greater  reliability of results, in addition to a greatly reduced cycle time and superior control features.  Lean Six Sigma may therefore be regarded as a valuable tool in any laboratory, and represents  both a management discipline, and a standardised approach to problem solving and process  optimisation.
authors: Western Cape Provincial Veterinary Laboratory, Histology Section. bronwyncloete@gmail.com.
authors: Bronwyn C
authors: BC
authors: Cloete
authors: André
authors: A
authors: Bester
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002623:Chemistry Techniques, Analytical / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary*; D058996:Quality Improvement / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012643:Selenium / Q000032:analysis*; D017749:Total Quality Management
chemical_list: D012643:Selenium