General Quality Planning in the Hemostasis Laboratory

In this chapter is a brief history of quality systems that have developed in business and in the laboratory. The principles of Deming quality methods are contrasted with traditional management. The quality systems of Six Sigma® and Lean are briefly reviewed followed by a discussion of the application of these tools managing quality in the hemostasis laboratory. The foundation of any quality system is an effective, error detection and management system developed in an environment that is not threatening to the worker, as system in which the worker can see benefit from reporting any deviation that is detected. Finally the application of the quality management tool to the entire laboratory through its application to Quality System Essentials or ISO is emphasized. This edition first published 2013