Insights from Sten Westgard on enhancing laboratory quality control
As laboratories evolve, CLINICAL24 Ambassador, Sten Westgard offers strategies for maintaining excellence in laboratory quality control
3 Oct 2024
Sten Westgard, Director of Client Services and Technology for Westgard QC
Sten Westgard, Director of Client Services and Technology for Westgard QC, is a renowned figure in laboratory quality control (QC). For over 25 years, he has been at the forefront of developing and implementing QC strategies that have helped to shape the healthcare industry. Westgard’s expertise, coupled with his deep-rooted passion for quality improvement, has solidified his status as a leader in laboratory quality control. He continues to empower clinical laboratory scientists through innovative tools, education, and technology, which are critical in tackling the challenges that laboratories face today.
The Westgard QC legacy
Sten Westgard plays a pivotal role in continuing the legacy of the famous Westgard Rules, which were first introduced by his father, James Westgard, in 1981. These rules set the global standard for quality control in laboratory testing. The Westgard Rules provide a structured, multi-rule system to help laboratories ensure accuracy in diagnostic tests, reducing errors and improving patient outcomes.
With advancements in technology, Sten Westgard has adapted the Westgard Rules to modern laboratory environments. His work in Six Sigma QC, method validation, and risk management ensures that laboratories maintain the highest standards, even as the industry evolves. His comprehensive approach integrates software solutions and automated systems to streamline laboratory quality control processes, reducing manual errors and improving efficiency.
Addressing clinical laboratory challenges
One of the key challenges facing clinical laboratory scientists today is the shrinking workforce, which makes maintaining high-quality control more difficult. Westgard emphasizes the need for laboratories to adapt to this workforce shortage by implementing smarter QC tools that can take on more complex tasks without human intervention.
Westgard QC’s innovative algorithms, embedded within laboratory instruments and middleware, help laboratories automate QC processes, allowing for quicker decision-making and more reliable results. However, Westgard highlights the importance of human oversight in this process, especially as artificial intelligence (AI) plays a growing role in laboratory quality control.
"While AI has the potential to revolutionize quality control, human expertise remains crucial to ensure that the correct decisions are being made. Technology can assist, but there will always be a need for qualified professionals to oversee and validate the process," Westgard explains.
Educating the scientific community
Westgard’s contributions go far beyond technological advancements. As an educator and advocate, he is committed to sharing his knowledge with the global scientific community. Through the Westgard QC website, blog, and online courses, Westgard provides essential tools and training for laboratory professionals. His courses cover a range of topics, including the Westgard Rules, Six Sigma QC design, risk analysis, and method validation.
Westgard is also a sought-after speaker at international conferences and workshops. He has delivered presentations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, educating laboratorians on the importance of robust QC practices. His engaging style and practical insights have earned him multiple 'Outstanding Speaker' awards from the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM).
Collaborating through CLINICAL24
As a CLINICAL24 Ambassador, Sten Westgard brings his wealth of experience and visionary approach to addressing common challenges in laboratory science. CLINICAL24, a global conversation being hosted by SelectScience®, aims to connect laboratory professionals worldwide, fostering a community where ideas, tools, and solutions can be shared. "Many labs face the same challenges, especially when it comes to laboratory quality control. By connecting people and providing a platform for shared solutions, we can overcome even the most persistent problems”, says Westgard.
The future of laboratory quality control
Westgard’s visionary approach is rooted in continuous improvement and adaptation to emerging technologies. As laboratories face growing demands and rapid technological advancements, the need for advanced QC solutions becomes ever more critical. Sten Westgard’s work ensures that laboratory scientists are well-equipped to meet these challenges head-on. His contributions to laboratory QC continue to shape the future of laboratory science, making diagnostic testing more accurate, reliable, and efficient.