58.7k views
3 votes
Sensitivity vs specificity. Each parameter is for what specifically? Ultimately?

User DroidOS
by
8.5k points

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

Test sensitivity is the probability of a positive result when a person is infected, while test specificity is the probability of a negative result when a person is not infected. False positives occur when a test incorrectly identifies a non-infected person as positive, and false negatives occur when a test incorrectly identifies an infected person as negative.

Step-by-step explanation:

Test sensitivity refers to the probability of getting a positive test result when the patient is infected, while test specificity refers to the probability of getting a negative test result when the patient is not infected. False positives occur when a test incorrectly identifies a non-infected person as positive, and false negatives occur when a test incorrectly identifies an infected person as negative. It is important to note that the likelihood of a false positive can be reduced by having a test with high specificity, and the likelihood of a false negative can be reduced by having a test with high sensitivity.

User Brod
by
8.7k points