Journal Article

Performance Analysis of Clinical Chemistry Laboratory Using Sigma Metrics in the Total Testing Process at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia

Ebrahim, Endris, Kassa, Yeshimebet, Alemayehu, Ermiyas, Eshetu, Bruktawit, Tilahun, Mihret, Mulatie, Zewudu, Gedefie, Alemu, Debash, Habtu, Alebachew, Mihreteab, Gessese, Tesfaye

2025

Overview

Background 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. Objective 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. Methods 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. Result 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). Conclusion 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. Clinical laboratory test results guide ~70% of clinical decisions. Using sigma metrics, the clinical chemistry laboratory at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital showed overall inadequate performance (2.9 sigma), with marginal performance in the analytical phase (3.5) and low performance in the pre‐ and post‐analytical phases (2.8 and 2.9). Strengthening staff training in sample collection and processing is essential to improve laboratory quality.

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc,Wiley
• Subject: clinical chemistry laboratory performance / Clinical Chemistry Tests - standards / Clinical Chemistry Tests - statistics & numerical data / Clinical Laboratory Services - standards / Clinical Laboratory Services - statistics & numerical data / Ethiopia / Hospitals / Laboratories, Clinical - standards / Laboratories, Clinical - statistics & numerical data / Laboratories, Hospital - standards / Laboratories, Hospital - statistics & numerical data / Medical errors / Medical laboratories / Patient safety / Patient satisfaction / Performance evaluation / Quality control / Quality standards / sigma metrics / Total Quality Management