Objective assessment of diagnostic tests

Authors

  • Nermin N. Salkić University Clinical Center Tuzla Department of Gastroenterology

Keywords:

Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive predictive value, Negative predictive value

Abstract

The whole point of a diagnostic test is to use it to make a diagnosis,thus the obvious need is to know how accurately aparticular diagnostic test detects patients with or without adisease. In order to know it, a clinician or a researcher shouldhave a basic understanding of the principles of objective appraisalof diagnostic tests. In this short review, the authorpresents the most common biostatistical methodology forassessment of the validity of diagnostic tests. Definitions andinterpretations of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negativepredictive values are also provided together with how theyare calculated.

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Author Biography

Nermin N. Salkić, University Clinical Center Tuzla Department of Gastroenterology

References

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Altman DG, Bland JM. Diagnostic tests. 1: Sensitivity and specificity. BMJ 1994;308:1552.

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Published

2008-12-23

How to Cite

Salkić, N. N. (2008). Objective assessment of diagnostic tests. Acta Medica Academica, 37(2), 113–116. Retrieved from https://ama.ba/index.php/ama/article/view/58

Issue

Section

Lessons in Biostatistics