Articles Vol. 66 No. CĐ9-NCKH 21/08/2025

51. EVALUATION OF PRE-ANALYTICAL QUALITY INDICATORS USING THE SIX SIGMA SCALE AND PARETO PRINCIPLE ANALYSIS AT LE VAN THINH HOSPITAL

Nhan Nguyen Thi1,2, Tho Tran Thi Anh3,4, Linh Tran Qui Phuong3,4
1 Nguyen Tat Thanh University
2 Trường Đại học Nguyễn Tất Thành
3 Le Van Thinh Hospital
4 Bệnh viện Lê Văn Thịnh
Corresponding author: ntnhan@ntt.edu.vn
DOI: 10.52163/yhc.v66iCD9.3024
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Abstract

Objective: To evaluate pre-analytical quality indicators using Six Sigma metrics and Pareto analysis at Le Van Thinh Hospital from January to March 2025.

Subject and method: A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze pre-analytical quality indicators in laboratory routine specimens. The indicators were measured and assessed using the Six Sigma methodology and Pareto principle analysis to identify priority areas for improvement.

Results: The overall quality level reached 4.7 Sigma. The most common quality issues were hemolysis (50.7%, 4.5 Sigma), clotted samples (16%, 4.7 Sigma), and incorrect volume (10.4%, 4.8 Sigma). Three indicators achieved the "World Class" level (Six Sigma score > 6) with no recorded errors, including "Incorrect packaging," "Centrifugation at incorrect speed or time," and "Tube breakage during centrifugation." Monthly quality monitoring showed that Sigma scores ranged from 4.6 to 4.8.

Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and improvement in the pre-analytical phase. The combined application of Six Sigma and Pareto analysis effectively identified priority issues, providing a basis for developing targeted interventions to enhance laboratory quality and patient safety.

Keywords
quality indicators six sigma Pareto principle pre-analytical
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