Tools, Technologies and Training for Healthcare Laboratories

QP-6: Adopting the OPSpecs Chart as Your Planning Tool

Want to build QC requirements into your quality-planning process? Take method instability into account? Use a quick graphical method? OPSpecs (Operating Specifications) charts are graphical tools does all that and more. All you need to do is figure out if a point is above or below a line. How much simpler can it get? (Preview)

QP-8: Implementing a manual process using Normalized OPSpecs charts

So you don't have the resources for fancy computers and networks and such to plan your quality. What would you say if you only one graph to plan your quality? A "Normalized" OPSpecs chart allows you to choose control rules for any laboratory method. Learn how to use them. You can even download them and use them now. (Preview)

QP-15: Frequently-Asked-Questions about Quality Planning

Usually, we put the FAQ's in our Questions section, but after 14 lessons in Quality Planning, a few questions have come up and it's better to answer them right here. Dr. Westgard clears up some of the common areas of confusion in quality planning. If you still have a question after reading this, please let us know and we'll answer you.

QP-14: What's wrong with statistical quality control?

In the 50 years since we started using statistical QC in the laboratory, a large number of complaints have accumulated. Dr. Westgard sorts through the complaints to find solutions and an easier way.

QP-13: Coagulation Applications

Many laboratorians commonly think that QC theory is only for chemistry. Not true! The Quality Planning process can be applied to any test - and here's the proof for coagulation analytes like Prothrombing Time, Partial Thromboplastin Time, and Fibrinogen.  (Preview)