Mastering Laboratory Results: Getting From Data to Action
Endlessly churning out laboratory results doesn't really help improve quality unless those results are interpreted in a fast and easy to understand format, so the operation can stay ahead of quality issues, rather than just firefight when problems have already occurred.

Tracking QC Results
Imagine starting each day with a clear picture of what the laboratory results actually mean - where were the issues, what results were outside the normal/expected limits, where are the trends heading to - better or worse than last week? That's what can be obtained from data analysis, but it needs to be put in place to achieve these sort of insights.

• Collect data consistently: Set up a system to gather QC results at the same time each day.
• Input into a centralized database: Use a reliable software solution for easy access and analysis.
• Review immediately: Look for any red flags that need urgent attention.

Visualizing Success (and Challenges)
Data without context is just numbers. Bring your QC results to life with these visualization techniques:

• Trend Lines: Perfect for spotting gradual shifts over time. Watch for upward or downward trends that could signal brewing issues.
• Heat Maps: Ideal for identifying patterns across multiple parameters or testing stations. Hot spots can reveal recurring problem areas at a glance.

From Insights to Action
Now that you've got your finger on the pulse of your lab's performance, it's time to act:

• Set thresholds: Establish clear limits for acceptable QC results.
• Create alerts: Automate notifications when results approach or exceed these thresholds.
• Investigate promptly: Don't wait - address potential issues before they escalate.
• Document and learn: Keep detailed records of issues and resolutions to prevent future occurrences.

Implementing Your QC Tracking System
Perhaps the most important step is to choose user-friendly tools, select software that makes data entry and visualization intuitive. If it's too difficult to use then no-one will use it.

By consistently tracking and trending your lab's results, you're not just collecting data - you're building a safer, more efficient process from start to end goal.  In this rapidmicrobiology special focus we look at how you can transform your laboratory results into a powerful tool for reducing product recalls and spotlighting problem areas.

Download the Lonza whitepaper to discover how they achieved automated, paperless quality control laboratories for environmental monitoring (EM) at four Cell and Gene Manufacturing sites across North America, Europe, and Asia.

The SIGMA swab range ensures sample integrity, enabling informed decisions that drive antibiotic stewardship and support infection control efforts. The BIOMIC V3 diagnostic platform streamlines the analysis of microbiological clinical tests from various manufacturers, with the very latest updates to reflect the latest CLSI and EUCAST standards. Addressing the critical issue of healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs), Hygiena's EnSURE® Touch ATP monitoring system, coupled with SureTrend® cloud analytics, provides hospitals with real-time hygiene verification. This powerful combination ensures compliance, reduces infections, and optimizes cleaning protocols, ultimately enhancing patient safety.

In a groundbreaking collaboration, leaders in the food industry have partnered with bioMérieux and Mérieux NutriSciences to develop an innovative data-driven model for improving food safety control systems. This initiative leverages shared data analysis to enhance food safety practices across the industry.

For environments requiring specific and consistent ambient conditions, Don Whitley Scientific's new OCEAView™ range offers a web and mobile solution to support precise monitoring and control.

Better Specimen, Better Data, Better Results: The Role of SIGMA in Diagnostics

The SIGMA Range ensures sample integrity, enabling informed decisions that drive patient care and antibiotic stewardship. SIGMA supports reliable data handling, trend analysis, and infection control efforts. Learn how MWE helps bridge the gap between sample collection and actionable insights.
Find Out More

Ensure Compliance & Safety: ATP Monitoring for Healthcare

Healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) pose a critical risk to patient safety. Hygiena’s EnSURE^® Touch ATP monitoring system, paired with SureTrend^® cloud analytics, empowers hospitals with real-time hygiene verification, ensuring compliance, reducing infections, and optimizing cleaning protocols.
Find Out More

Improve Food Safety & Quality Control Systems by Sharing and Analyzing Industry Data

In partnership with  key industry leaders (Barry Callebaut, Danone, Mars, Mondelēz International, Nestlé, and PepsiCo), bioMérieux and Mérieux NutriSciences have co-developed an innovative data-driven model that aims to improve food safety control systems by sharing and analyzing data.
Find Out More

Protecting Your Peace of Mind: Introducing the OCEAView™ Range

Don Whitley Scientific has expanded their portfolio with the recent launch of the OCEAView™ range, a web and mobile solution designed to support environments that demand specific and consistent ambient conditions.
Find Out More

2025 CLSI & EUCAST Guidelines in BIOMIC V3

BIOMIC V3 is a diagnostic platform that streamlines the analysis and evaluation of microbiological clinical tests from different manfacturers. BIOMIC V3 will incorporate the following CLSI and EUCAST standards in the upcoming April/May 2025 software release.
Find Out More

Revolutionizing Dairy and Beverages: Fast Track Quality with 'Augmented' Microbial Monitoring

In this interview, discover how microbiology and digital solutions can foster cross-departmental collaboration between operations, quality, and supply chain teams, generate actionable insights, and improve efficiencies to give dairy, plant-based, soft drink, wine, and beer manufacturers a competitive edge.
Find Out More