1. What Are Turnaround and Waiting Times?

Turnaround Time (TAT) is the total time taken from when a process (like a medical test) arrives in the system until it's completed. Waiting Time (WT) is the time the process spends waiting in the queue before being processed.

2. How Are These Times Calculated?

The calculations use these simple formulas:

Where:

• \( Completion \) — Time when process/task was completed
• \( Arrival \) — Time when process/task arrived in system
• \( Burst \) — Actual processing time required

Explanation: TAT measures total system time, while WT measures only the queuing delay before processing begins.

3. Importance in Medical Context

Details: In healthcare, these metrics help evaluate system efficiency, patient wait times, and resource allocation for tests, procedures, and treatments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all times in consistent units (minutes, hours, etc.). Completion must be after arrival, and burst time must be positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a good TAT for medical tests?
A: It varies by test type. STAT tests might aim for <1 hour, while routine tests may have 24-48 hour targets.

Q2: Can WT be negative?
A: No, negative WT suggests data error (burst time exceeds TAT, which shouldn't happen).

Q3: How can hospitals reduce WT?
A: Through better scheduling, resource allocation, process optimization, and demand management.

Q4: What affects TAT in labs?
A: Equipment availability, staffing, test complexity, batching practices, and transport times.

Q5: Should TAT include reporting time?
A: Yes, complete TAT measures from sample arrival to result delivery to clinician.