%0 Journal Article
%T Operations Research Techniques in Management of Samples Transport to the Clinical Laboratory
%A Ventura Pedret Salvador
%A Sol¨¦ Llop Esther
%A Rovirosa Reverte Monica
%A Trivino Molla Carmen
%J Open Access Library Journal
%V 1
%N 9
%P 1-3
%@ 2333-9721
%D 2014
%I Open Access Library
%R 10.4236/oalib.1101195
%X Currently, the model is based on the Clinical
Laboratory. It is a great centre that performs almost all of the techniques. Thanks to the automation of them. These
laboratories receive samples from centres that often are some kilometers away.
Time spent between collection and processing must be as short as possible and this is a requirement to
care about in order to process the samples in optimal conditions.
Transport logistic factor is essential to achieve the right balance between
optimal quality of the specimens and efficiency in managing resources. Our
laboratory attends 96 centres in an area of high population density and
intricate road network. We considered planning
the transport paths and timetables based on a branch of mathematics called Operations
Research. The aim was to plan routes from and to the laboratory that covered
the specimen transport with the shortest possible time. Material and Methods:
In January 2012 we planned restructuring transport routes according to two
methods applied to solve the TSP problems: the nearest neighbour method and the
edge classified. Although these are not top methods, they are useful to control
the time spent between the sample collection centre and the laboratory applying
operational research methods. Results: We identified that 12% of the paths used
excessive time to reach the laboratory (more than 90 minutes). These routes
were modified applying the nearest neighbour method.
%K Operations Research
%K Clinical Laboratory
%K Travelling Salesman Problem
%U http://www.oalib.com/paper/3131199