An approach to the improvement of the Selenium analysis process of the Western Cape Provincial Veterinary Laboratory

Abstract

Reliable analytical results represent the pinnacle assessment of the quality of an analytical laboratory. Variability associated with the analytical method, or process known as selenium analysis which is being used at Western Cape Provincial Veterinary Laboratory (WC PVL), presents a critical quality problem. This is due to the narrow margin of safety between toxic and deficient doses for animal health. In addition, control features of this selenium process, were found to be limited. Limited control features represent ‘process waste’. To overcome the adverse impact of variation and limited control, steps towards process improvement present the best solution.The primary research objective of the research study is: “To establish an alternative accurate and safer digestion procedure within the ‘selenium analysis process, in order to attain quality improvement of the process”.The scientific method was employed to accomplish the research objective. The research design and methodology selected was based on the scientific PDCA cycle, and is known as Lean Six Sigma. A research hypothesis was set as H0 : Variation in process, time and control procedures have a direct impact on the disparity in selenium testing results. Research was able to test the hypothesis using scientific methodology which was empirical, inductive and deductive, systematic, relied on data and was fact based.Implementation of an alternative, more reliable and safer selenium analysis process is believed to result in reduced risks associated to the digestion procedure, while optimising selenium yield and ultimately translating into improved quality in terms of accuracy and precision, thus confidence in results.