Background/objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the urgent need for rapid, efficient testing methods at large-scale events to control virus spread. This study leverages queueing theory to explore how different floor plan configurations affect the efficiency of Rapid Antigen Diagnostic Test (RADT) centers at mass gatherings, aiming to enhance throughput and minimize wait times.
Methods: Employing the MAP/PH/c model (Markovian Arrival Process/phase-type service distribution with c servers), this study compared the operational efficiency of RADT centers using U-shaped and straight-line floor plans. The research involved 500 healthy participants, who underwent the RADT process, including queue number issuance, registration, sample collection, sample mixing, and results dissemination. Agile management techniques were implemented to optimize operations.
Results: The findings demonstrated that the U-shaped layout was more efficient than the straight-line configuration, reducing the average time from sample collection to results acquisition-1.6 minutes in the U-shaped layout versus 1.8 minutes in the straight-line layout. The efficiency of the U-shaped layout was particularly notable at the results stage, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in reducing congestion and improving resource allocation.
Conclusions: The study confirms the feasibility of implementing RADT procedures at mass gatherings and identifies the U-shaped floor plan as the optimal configuration. This layout significantly enhances testing efficiency and effectiveness, suggesting its suitability for future large-scale testing scenarios. The research contributes to optimizing mass testing strategies, vital for public health emergency management during pandemics.
Keywords: COVID-19 testing; MAP/PH/c model; agile management; antigen testing; mass gatherings; operational efficiency; process optimization; public health emergency management; queueing theory; system throughput.