Sensitivity versus Specificity

Vastian Learning
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Continuing Education Credits

P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours: hour(s)

Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Science CE Credit Hours

: hour(s)

(based on 1 customer ratings)

Objectives

  • Define sensitivity and specificity.
  • Identify true positives, false positives, true negatives, and false negatives within a 2×2 diagnostic table.
  • Calculate sensitivity and specificity using laboratory testing data and standard mathematical formulas.

Course Outline

  • Overview
    • Overview
    • Sensitivity
    • Calculating Sensitivity
    • A diagnostic test is evaluated in 120 patients with confirmed disease. 96 test positive 24 test negative What is the sensitivity of the test?
    • A validation study produces the following results: True Positives (TP): 45 False Negatives (FN): 15 What is the sensitivity?
    • Specificity
    • Calculating Specificity
    • A laboratory evaluates test performance in 200 patients without disease. 170 test negative 30 test positive What is the specificity?
    • A confirmatory assay is tested on 250 disease-negative patients. 240 correctly test negative 10 falsely test positive What is the specificity?
    • 2x2 Diagnostic Table
    • A test is compared to a reference method with the following results:Disease PresentDisease AbsentTest Positive7020Test Negative3080What is the sensitivity?
    • Using the same data, what is the specificity?Disease PresentDisease AbsentTest Positive7020Test Negative3080
    • Case Scenario 1
    • Case Scenario 2
    • Case Scenario 3
    • Case Scenario 4
    • Case Scenario 5
    • A test with high sensitivity but low specificity is most useful for:
    • Which situation is most concerning when using a test with low sensitivity?
    • A laboratory test produces very few false-positive results but misses a moderate number of true disease cases. This test is best described as having:
    • Which of the following best describes specificity?
    • A screening test has very high sensitivity but moderate specificity. What is the most appropriate laboratory action when a patient tests positive?
    • In a validation study, a test yields the following results: True Positives (TP): 40 False Negatives (FN): 10 What is the sensitivity?
    • Which statement about sensitivity and specificity is true?
    • A negative result from a highly sensitive test is most useful for:
    • A diagnostic test correctly identifies 95 out of 100 patients who truly have a disease; 5 patients with the disease test negative. What is the sensitivity of the test?
  • References
    • References

Additional Information

This is a mini course designed to enhance learning and reinforce existing knowledge. It does not provide continuing education (CE) credit. The purpose of this course is to support ongoing professional development and review.