Statistics in the pathology laboratory: diagnostic test interpretation.
Appropriate interpretation of diagnostic tests is critical in clinical practice. Reference ranges are used most commonly but these can be misleading. The calculation of post-test probability of disease is a useful alternative as it provides an estimate of disease likelihood given a particular test result. The assessment of post-test probability and problems associated with reference ranges are discussed in this review.
Department of Clinical Immunology, Auckland Hospital, New Zealand. mariannee@adhb.govt.nz
Marianne B
MB
Empson
D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D010336:Pathology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011336:Probability; D012016:Reference Values