What is a Cumulative Summation Limit?

This version of the course is no longer available.
Need multiple seats for your university or lab? Get a quote
The page below is a sample from the LabCE course . Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

Learn more about (online CE course)
What is a Cumulative Summation Limit?

  • Like the Westgard Rules, the Cumulative Summation Limit or Rule (CUSUM for short) has different approaches.
  • The CUSUM type used on the following pages is more sensitive to systematic than random error. Nevertheless, it does provide an easy means to detect impending problems.
  • CUSUM is calculated on worksheets like the one below.
  • Basically CUSUM works in the following manner: a decision limit is predetermined (See section E. on the right side of the chart, where CUSUM limit is defined as SD x 2.7), and when the CUSUM of control observations exceed this limit, one must look for error in the testing process.
  • The right side of the worksheet is used to determine the mean, standard deviation (SD), and CUSUM limit.