Abstract: Objective To explore the efficacy of plan-do-check-act(PDCA)cycle management in improving the detection efficiency of the BRAF V600E mutation in fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) samples. Methods 275 FNAC samples received from September to December 2023 (before PDCA improvement) by the Department of Pathology of Xuanwu Hospital were collected as the control group, and 406 samples received from January to March 2024 (after PDCA improvement) were collected as the study group. The positive detection rate, assay repeat rate, and timely reporting rate of the two groups were compared to evaluate the effect of PDCA management. Results The positive detection rate increased from 45.45% before implementation to 55.17% after implementation. The assay repeat rate decreased from 6.18% (17/275) to 1.72% (7/406)(P＜0.05). The average turnaround time (TAT) for reporting results was reduced from (1.85±1.35)working days to (1.45±0.86)working days. Consequently, the timeliness reporting rate improved from 87.64% to 94.83%(P＜0.05). Conclusions Improving the whole process of molecular detection through PDCA management can effectively improve the accuracy and timeliness of BRAF V600E detection, which can help form a long-term mechanism to ensure the continuous improvement of molecular detection quality.

Key words: PDCA cycle method, BRAF V600E, thyroid tumor, quality management, continuous improvement