Several tests have been developed to measure the serologic markers of breast cancer. These tests have different specificities and sensitivities for the early stage of breast cancer. Which of the following tests could be the best screening test for the early detection of breast carcinoma if applied to a population with a stable incidence of the disease?
A)Sensitivity - 80%, specificity - 90%
B)Sensitivity - 65%, specificity - 97%
C)Sensitivity - 70%, specificity - 94%
D)Sensitivity - 75%, specificity - 92%
E)Sensitivity - 85%, specificity - 90%

Question

Several tests have been developed to measure the serologic markers of breast cancer.  These tests have different specificities and sensitivities for the early stage of breast cancer.  Which of the following tests could be the best screening test for the early detection of breast carcinoma if applied to a population with a stable incidence of the disease?
A)Sensitivity - 80%, specificity - 90%
B)Sensitivity - 65%, specificity - 97%
C)Sensitivity - 70%, specificity - 94%
D)Sensitivity - 75%, specificity - 92%
E)Sensitivity - 85%, specificity - 90%

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Explanation: A screening test must have a high sensitivity. This high sensitivity helps to 'RULE OUT' the disease, giving as few false-negative results as possible (SnNOut). Furthermore, the high sensitivity increases the negative predictive value (NPV) of the test: NPV = True negatives / (True negatives + False Negatives) NPV = True negatives / (True negatives + False Negatives) False Negatives In this case, the test with the highest sensitivity and good specificity is the best choice. (Choice B)Choosing a highly specific test with low sensitivity would give more false-negative results; thus, many diseased people would be labeled healthy. Educational Objective: A screening test must have a high sensitivity. This high sensitivity helps to 'RULE OUT' the disease by decreasing the number of false-negative results, and by increasing the negative predictive value (SnNOut).

Several Tests Have Been Developed to Measure the Serologic Markers