MRCEM Notes

Statistics: sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and likelihood ratio's

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A = True Positive
B = False Positive
C = False Negative
D = True Negative

Condition PositiveCondition Negative
Test Outcome PositiveAB
Test Outcome NegativeCD

Sensitivity
Definition: The ability of a test to correctly identify those with the disease (true positives).
Formula:
Sensitivity = A / (A + C)
= True Positives / All with disease

Specificity

Definition: The ability of a test to correctly identify those without the disease (true negatives).
Formula:
Specificity = D / (B + D)
= True Negatives / All without disease

Positive Predictive Value (PPV)

Definition: The probability that a person with a positive test result actually has the disease.
Formula:
PPV = A / (A + B)
= True Positives / All positive test results

Negative Predictive Value (NPV)

Definition: The probability that a person with a negative test result truly does not have the disease.
Formula:
NPV = D / (C + D)
= True Negatives / All negative test results

Likelihood Ratios

Positive Likelihood Ratio (LR+)
LR+ = Sensitivity / (1 − Specificity)

Negative Likelihood Ratio (LR−)
LR− = (1 − Sensitivity) / Specificity
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