Table 5.2Selection of Diagnostic Test According to Purpose

PurposeMost important operating characteristic(s)
Diagnostic
 ConfirmationSpecificity
 Ruling outSensitivity
MonitoringReliability
ScreeningSensitivity/specificitya
a

See text for explanation.

From: Chapter 5, Use of the Laboratory

Cover of Clinical Methods
Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition.
Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors.
Boston: Butterworths; 1990.
Copyright © 1990, Butterworth Publishers, a division of Reed Publishing.

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