I spent my summer of 2020 working as a Point of Care intern in the Operations Leadership Development Program, specifically with the Quality Control group. I created process flow diagrams (PFDs) for the high sensitivity cardiac Troponin I (cTnI) detection device final release testing. These three main test procedures were calibration, trueness and precision, and wetting time. This device will soon be marketed and will be able to detect heart attacks with a much quicker result time than previous laboratory methods. 

 

Along with this, I also made PFDs for 13 urine analysis reagents instrumental and visual testing procedures. These reagents are used in their Urinalysis line. Unfortunately, I am not allowed to show pictures of these PFDs, as they are confidential, but I can describe their contents. These were typically one page documents in Microsoft Visio which would show start to finish processes/sub-processes for each test. 

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I also was able to analyze testing data using Minitab, with the six sigma method to establish control limits and ultimately, create efficient control charts. These control charts were used to track the trending of diabetes care cartridge testing data over time. I also created control charts to track the cTnI device cartridges, which would be batch tested for 20+ parameters. 

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Throughout my summer I learned a great deal about statistical analysis, specifically six sigma methods. I was able to build off the skills I had previously learned in my statistics class and apply this to real life situations at work. I also acquired a new skill of how to create flow diagrams using Microsoft Visio. These projects required me to read through many testing procedures, giving me insight on how some medical devices are cleared for release. I greatly appreciate the work I was able to do with Siemens Healthineers, and the experiences I got from the internship.