Important Concepts in Quality Control: Sensitivity

Specificity vs. Sensitivity

  • To review, specificity is “disease focused”. The more specific a test is, the fewer false positive results will occur.
  • Remember that a false positive result can possibly lead to a misdiagnosis with the possible consequence of unnecessary diagnostic procedures and therapies.
  • Sensitivity, on the other hand, is “wellness or normal focused”. The more sensitive a test is, the fewer false negative results it produces.

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