Mindray’s BS-600M Chemistry Analyzer with High Sigma Level Boosts Lab Performance

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 18 Jul 2022

Image: The new BS-600M chemistry analyzer provides a complete package to help labs grow (Photo courtesy of Mindray)

The quality of healthcare is a growing concern worldwide. In clinical laboratories, it is essential to define the quality required by an analytical testing process. Sigma metrics are known to be a useful tool for benchmarking the performance of methods. In the six Sigma methodology, “Defects per Million Opportunities (DPMO)” is used as the unit for calculation. A Sigma value indicates the frequency of defects occurring in a process. Therefore, a higher Sigma value translates into a lower number of defects and a lower Sigma value means a higher number of defects. Mindray (Shenzhen, China) has used the Sigma method decision chart to plot the performance of 30 biochemistry parameters on its BS-600M chemistry analyzer. Original reagents and validated application protocol lower the inaccuracy and imprecision which contributes to achieving world-class and excellent Sigma metric performance. Higher Sigma level system can help laboratories offer high level of quality at reduced cost and enhance clinician confidence and satisfaction.

A high Sigma performance means high quality of measurement, which can improve clinicians’ confidence and satisfaction. Besides performance benchmarking, Sigma metrics can also be used by laboratories to design quality control processes. For assays with 6-Sigma performance, the official recommendation is that laboratories can run QC every 1000 patient samples. For those with 3-Sigma performance, it is recommended to run QC every 45 patient samples.

So, what does that mean? How does that impact the laboratory? A high Sigma performance level helps laboratories reduce QC measurements, simplify QC rules, and shorten the TAT. It also contributes to a reduced need for trouble shooting due to false QC violations and less QC and reagent consumption. Therefore, with its high Sigma level, Mindray’s BS-600M system can help laboratories offer high level of quality at reduced costs and boost clinicians’ confidence and laboratories’ reputation.

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