Coefficient of variation selected as a quality specification for external evaluation systems in resource-limited environments
Keywords:
CONTROL DE CALIDAD; INDICADORES DE CALIDAD DE LA ATENCIÓN DE SALUD; LABORATORIOS CLÍNICOS. , QUALITY CONTROL; QUALITY INDICATORS, HEALTH CARE; LABORATORIES, CLINICAL., CONTROLE DE QUALIDADE; INDICADORES DE QUALIDADE EM ASSISTÊNCIA À SAÚDE; LABORATÓRIOS CLÍNICOS.Abstract
Introduction: Quality specifications for External Assessment Programs have proven useful in clinical laboratory management processes.
Objectives: To obtain the Selected Coefficient of Variation for 13 analytes as a quality specification for an External Quality Assessment system for clinical chemistry in resource-limited environments.
Methods: An analytical, prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in clinical laboratory services during the years 2023 and 2024. Using data from the External Evaluation Program, the Selected Coefficients of Variation were calculated through the aggregate variance and the weighted mean using an alternative and a commercial controller. They were compared using the Forkman Test, with a 95% confidence interval. The lowest integer value was assumed. The performance of each participating laboratory was evaluated using the Average Variation Index and the Global Variation Index during the year 2024.
Results: No significant differences were found with the use of control materials. In all cases, the p value obtained was greater than 0.05. The coefficients ranged from 9 to 19. 6.6% of the laboratories received an excellent rating, and the same percentage received an acceptable rating. 86.7% showed good performance. No laboratory received a poor rating.
Conclusions: Obtaining the Selected Coefficients of Variation allows the program to evaluate the performance of clinical laboratories and analytical methods based on the limited resource conditions in which they operate.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Ivette González Fajardo, Elisa Maritza Linares Guerra , María Amparo León Sánchez , Enrique Jorge Valdés Peña Valdés Peña, Clara Teresa Ordaz Zambrana, Yulainee Madera Hernández Madera Hernández
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