Title
Sequential testing in batches.
Abstract
We study a new extension of the Sequential Testing problem with a modified cost structure that allows performing of some tests in batches. As in the Sequential Testing problem, we assume a certain dependence between the test results and the conclusion. Namely, we stop testing once a positive result is obtained or all tests are negative. Our extension, motivated by health care applications, considers a fixed cost associated with executing a batch of tests, with the general notion that the more tests are performed in batches, the smaller the total contribution of fixed costs to the sequential testing process. The goal is to minimize the expected cost of testing by finding the optimal choice and sequence of the batches available. The resulting NP-hard model is a variation of the set partitioning problem. We propose various heuristic algorithms for the effective solution of the problem and then demonstrate the performances of the algorithms through extensive numerical experiments.
Year
DOI
Venue
2017
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-016-2345-7
Annals OR
Keywords
Field
DocType
Combinatorial Optimization,Heuristics,Sequential testing,Function evaluation,Batch testing
Mathematical optimization,Heuristic,Set partitioning problem,Fixed cost,Algorithm,Combinatorial optimization,Heuristics,Expected cost,Sequential analysis,Mathematics
Journal
Volume
Issue
ISSN
253
1
0254-5330
Citations 
PageRank 
References 
0
0.34
0
Authors
5
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Rebi Daldal100.34
Ozgur Ozluk2568.92
B. Selçuk391.61
Zahed Shahmoradi400.34
Tonguç Ünlüyurt51028.94