[How to realize the concept--a reference intervals].
The concept of reference interval is basically different from that of decision making. However, the two are closely related and sometimes have been misunderstood to have the same meaning. Reference intervals are calculated as a statistical parameter of the values obtained from reference groups which as restricted with physiological situation. On the other hand, the values for diagnostic decision making, cut-off value or consensus values, are obtained from the idea of diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of diagnosis. Today, the concept of diagnostic decision making has gradually permeated in medical practice and the laboratory. Herein, we define and discuss these two words.
Kanno
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Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hamamatsu University, School of Medicine.
D000328:Adult; D003933:Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012016:Reference Values; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity