title: Realistic expectations of laboratory testing.
abstract: The ordering, reviewing, and interpreting of laboratory tests require recognition and familiarity with the concepts of normal values, sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and prevalence. The significance of these test properties in clinical decision-making is explained.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pa.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Fernandes
mesh_terms: D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D006801:Humans; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015995:Prevalence; D012016:Reference Values; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity