Posted by Sten Westgard, MS
For decades, laboratories have been challenged with implementing standardised QC processes and naturally have looked to some of the solutions that were seen as synonymous with best practices for QC. However, given the latest generation of engineering, higher precision methods, more automated instruments and the proliferation of new instruments, new methods and new tests, many of the legacy solutions have quickly become outdated. Now more than ever, there is a greater need for more advanced, more efficient QC procedures.
Diagnostic testing accounts for <5% of total healthcare costs, but influences over 70% of all critical clinical decision making.
Busy laboratorians are time challenged, yet analytical quality demands continue to multiply as physicians and patients depend increasingly on test results for optimal diagnosis and treatment. Quality control (QC) procedures are an essential lab practice to ensure reported test results achieve the quality required for intended medical use. Crucial elements of a quality control system are the quality control materials used and the data management software to analyse the results. Equally important are the statistical rules that are implemented to provide a final independent check to detect performance changes potentially causing medically important errors.
Statistical Quality Control will not achieve optimal performance unless it is properly implemented.
Happily, there are alternative options to introduce more efficient and robust QC procedures into the laboratory. Consolidated multi-analyte quality control materials, such as the Multichem® range available from Technopath Clinical Diagnostics (Technopath), enable clinical laboratories to significantly reduce the cost of quality control.
JOIN THE QC REVOLUTION!
Technopath Clinical Diagnostics and Westgard Inc. announce strategic partnership to provide quality control training and
education services to customers around the world. handling requirements, reclaim storage space and minimise waste, leading to a more efficient quality control process. In addition, a new form of multi-rules called ‘Westgard Sigma Rules’ is available that adjusts the number of rules and control measurements to take into account the analytical Sigma-metric of the test method (see below for more information).
The result of these new developments is that laboratories are revolutionising their QC procedures and optimising their quality management systems.
Join The QC Revolution
Technopath and Westgard are combining forces, in a strategic partnership, to deliver the most advanced QC solutions and educational services on the market. Combining Technopath’s class-leading products with expert opinion and educational services from Westgard will allow laboratories around the world to get access to the most up-to-date information on advancements in quality control testing and analysis. As part of the partnership, Technopath will also become an official partner for the Westgard Sigma Verification of Performance Program.
Contact Technopath for more information: [email protected]
About Technopath Clinical Diagnostics
TECHNOPATH CLINICAL DIAGNOSTICS is a global leader in the development and manufacture of total
quality control solutions for clinical laboratories. In 2008, we launched the In-Vitro Diagnostic industry’s
first truly consolidated Immunochemistry Quality Control (QC) materials. Consolidating multiple tests into
one QC product enables clinical laboratories to significantly improve the efficiency and cost effectiveness
of quality control processes. Our IAMQC® software platform automates the handling and management of
QC data while facilitating laboratory accreditation requirements. Today our products are used by leading
laboratories in over 120 countries.
For more information on Technopath Clinical Diagnostics, visit www.technopathcd.com.
About Westgard Inc.
WESTGARD QC promotes the latest news, education, and tools in the quality control field. Our goal is
to bring tools, technology and training into today’s healthcare industry — by featuring QC lessons, QC
case studies and frequent essays from leaders in the quality control area. Westgard QC provides a unique
Sigma Verification of Performance program to laboratories seeking independent confirmation of analytical
performance.
For more information on Westgard QC, visit www.westgard.com