Batch scheduling in the histopathology laboratory

• DOI: 10.1007/s10696-016-9257-3
• Publication Date: 2016-09-21T17:18:00Z
• Authors: A. G. Leeftink; R. J. Boucherie; E. W. Hans; M. A. M. Verdaasdonk; I. M. H. Vliegen; P. J. van Diest
• Keywords: Tardiness; Turnaround time; Batch processing

Histopathology laboratories aim to deliver high quality diagnoses based on patient tissue samples. Timely and care are essential for delivering diagnoses, example in cancer diagnostics. However, challenges exist regarding employee workload tardiness of results, which both impact the diagnostic quality. In this paper histopathology operations studied, where processors modeled as batch processing machines. We develop a new 2-phased decomposition approach solve NP-hard problem, aiming improve spread reduce tardiness. The embeds ingredients from various planning scheduling problems. First, batching problem is considered, completion times equally divided over day using Mixed Integer Linear Program. This reduces peaks physical work available laboratory. Second, remaining processes scheduled minimize orders list algorithm. Both theoretical well historical data were used assess performance method. Results show that method, UMC Utrecht, large university medical center Netherlands, may be reduced with up 50 % by better spreading day. Furthermore, turnaround 20 compared current practices. currently being implemented aforementioned hospital.