Sequential testing of a series system in batches

Official URL: http://risc01.sabanciuniv.edu/record=b1620293 (Table of Contents)

In this thesis, 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 fixed cost associated with executing a batch of tests, with the general notion that the more tests are performed in batches, the smaller the contribution of the total fixed cost of 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. We separately study two different cases for this problem; one where only some subsets of all tests can be performed together and one with no restrictions over tests. We analyze the problem, develop solution algorithms and evaluate the performance of the algorithms on random problem instances for both both cases of the problem.