Data analysis has become a mainstay in clinical laboratories. As Clinical Biochemists, organizations rely on ustoanalyse large amounts ofdata, from handling quality control results andestablishing reference intervals, to developmentand optimization of quality assurance rules and targets. As leadersin clinical laboratories, weare at the forefront of data-driven decision making. Therefore wemust be familiar with how to handle large datasets, sidestep pitfalls, and communicate insights with physicians, other laboratorians and IVD vendors.With this in mind, we have formed the Analytics in the Clinical Laboratory (ACL) Special Interest Group within CSCC.
Who are we: Data enthusiasts! We are not necessarily experts, but people who recognize the importance of using data in our day-to-day work. Members range in experience from advanced statistical analysis and authors of machine learning algorithms to newbies just learning to use the tools for effective data analysis.
What we do:This SIG was formed to drive adoption of analytics techniques to improve lab processes and improve patient care. Our mandate spans four primary areas: Education, Inclusivity, Vendor outreach, and Dissemination. In our first year, ACL members have provided introductory level workshops on how to calculate Measurement Uncertainty on mock datasets using both R and Excel.
What are we planning?Continuing on with Education activities, the ACL SIG will continue offering workshops to encourage CSCC members to learn how to handle large data. The group also aspires to promote innovation and collaboration between members to solve common problems, and to work towards creatingand sharingapplicationsto facilitate data analysis and process improvement.
Who should join the ACL SIG? Everyone is welcome! No matter your level of experience with data analytics. The group is interested in advancing the use of data and sometimes that means someone just has to ask the right questions!
Unfortunately we will not be holding an in-person meeting at the ADLM/CSCC conference this year, but if you are interested in joining the SIG, please do not hesitate to reach out to either co-chair Amir Karin (amir.karin@vch.ca) or Dennis Orton (dennis.orton@cw.bc.ca) and you will be added to the mailing list. We will be holding a virtual meeting to get feedback on our first year as a SIG this summer.