Location of a hierarchy of HIV/AIDS test laboratories in an inbound hub network: case study in South Africa

Honora Smith (), Daniel Cakebread, Maria Battarra, Ben Shelbourne, Naseem Cassim and Lindi Coetzee
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Honora Smith: University of Southampton
Daniel Cakebread: University of Southampton
Maria Battarra: University of Bath
Ben Shelbourne: University of Southampton
Naseem Cassim: National Health Laboratory Service
Lindi Coetzee: National Health Laboratory Service

Journal of the Operational Research Society, 2017, vol. 68, issue 9, 1068-1081

Abstract: Abstract HIV/AIDS test laboratories in South Africa face growing demand for high quality, timely and efficient testing of blood samples in all regions of the country, however rural. The three main tests for HIV/AIDS, namely CD4, HIV Viral Load, and Infant PCR, are provided in a hierarchy of levels: CD4 is the most frequently needed test, with most laboratory coverage needed. HIV Viral Load is less frequently called for, and Infant PCR is the rarest test to be done, with correspondingly fewest laboratories needed. The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) of South Africa operates an inbound hub network for collection of blood samples and transfer to laboratories equipped to carry out the required tests: test results are transmitted electronically, so there is no outbound or return transport. This paper describes the development of modelling carried out over several years of collaboration with NHLS to advise decision-makers on an appropriate and efficient hub network. We present mixed integer programs to find efficient locations for both network hubs and locations for all levels of laboratory testing. Novel features include variable or range constraints on maximum travel times to test locations.

Keywords: location; hierarchical health services; hub networks; HIV/AIDS testing; OR in developing countries (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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DOI: 10.1057/s41274-017-0240-5

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