Six Sigma–An Approach to Improve Laboratory Workflow

Six Sigma is a set of techniques and tools for process improvement. The term ‘six sigma’ comes from statistics and is used in statistical quality control, which evaluates process capability. Six Sigma focuses on identifying and reducing variability in a process by measuring process performance and change effects. Originally, it referred to the ability of manufacturing processes to produce a very high proportion of output within specification. The sigma value indicates about repeated errors in the process, the higher the sigma value provides laboratory standards and quality whereas, the less value indicates the errors and defects in the process. In healthcare services, the six-sigma level should not be accepted as the ultimate goal due to fatal or irreversible results. Hence, in Six Sigma projects, we have to decrease the number of defects by as much as possible, and indeed, the sigma level should be higher than six. 5S not only upgraded the laboratory overall performance, but it significantly raised the safety standards of the laboratory. More application of the lean tools should be exercised and explored to have more effective and efficient university laboratory experimental environment. This literature will provide a general concern over Six Sigma processes on laboratory workflow as per quality concern and productivity.