[Clinical use of diagnostic tests (Part 1): Analysis of the properties of a diagnostic test].
Diagnostic tests are widely used in clinical practice. Qualitative analysis of diagnostic test properties (validity, reproducibility and safety) has been systematized using clinical epidemiology tools that have introduced a series of concepts such as sensitivity, specificity and predictive values. Based on data reported by a clinical investigation, the present article illustrates the theoretical background underlying these concepts, explains the methodology for their calculation, and analyzes their main strengths and limitations. A second article (Part 2: Clinical application and usefulness of a diagnostic test), describes the manner in which information provided by a test should be applied in order to correctly resolve a clinical dilemma.
Cerda L
Jaime
J
Departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile. jcerda@med.puc.cl
Cifuentes A
Lorena
L
D019937:Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012372:ROC Curve; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity