title: Application of Bayes's theorem to results of quantitative clinical chemical determinations.
abstract: The diagnostic implication of a certain test result with regard to a certain condition can be expressed as a single number, L, the likelihood ratio of this result. This ratio allows Bayes's theorem to be written in a convenient form. We show that the practice of calculating predictive values for the results of quantitative tests by use of discrimination limits leads to incorrect predictive values. Including L values in laboratory reports seems a more logical approach to optimum interpretation of laboratory results than the use of discrimination values.
mesh_terms: D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008832:Microchemistry; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011336:Probability
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose