Resources

Glossary

• Sensitivity: the proportion of people with disease who have a positive test result
• Specificity: the proportion of people without disease who have a negative test result 
• Reference standard: the presence or absence of disease determined by approved methods
• False positive: a positive test result in a patient without disease
• False negative result: a negative test result in a patient with disease

Books and Journals

Egger M, Davey Smith G, Phillips AN. (1997) Meta-analysis: Principles and Procedures.BMJ;315:1533-1537.

Sensitivity and Specificity - Print summary

This RLO covers the use of sensitivity and specificity in diagnostic tests.

Learning outcomes

By completing this resource you should be able to explain sensitivity and specificity including:

• Diagnostic tests
• False positives and negatives
• Assessing test accuracy

Please type any additional notes and comments you have on this resource in the field below: Print

By completing this resource you should be able to explain sensitivity and specificity, including:

• Diagnostic tests
• False positives and negatives
• Assessing test accuracy

This resource was developed by:

Elaine Bentley - content author

Caroline Burton, Liz Hilton - developers

The resource was originally funded by RLO-CETL.

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