Sensitivity

The proportion of people who have a condition whom a test correctly identifies as positive.

GlossaryUsed in 2 topics

Definition

A highly sensitive test misses few cases, so a negative result helps rule the condition out. Sensitivity is a property of the test in a given population and depends on how the condition was confirmed.

The common mistake

Topics that use it

Imaging and diagnosticsDiagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasoundUsing a handheld ultrasound probe to see tendons, muscles and joints in real time during an examination.
Imaging and diagnosticsOrdering laboratory testsRequesting blood, urine or other specimen tests to help diagnose a condition.

Specificity
Likelihood ratio

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Definition

The common mistake

Topics that use it

Related terms