Article Related content Article metrics Rapid responses Response Rapid Response: Keep it simple for the students Sensitivity and specificity are ratios. SeNsitivity conveniently has an "N" and is a measure of false negatives. SPecificity has a "P" and is a measure of false positives. Nevertheless, if the prevalence of the condition is very low, even if the specificity ratio is very high, then most positives will be false positives. Repeat: If the prevalence of a condition is very low, then most positives will be false positives. Tell the students to memorize this statement and "never forget it for as long as you live". They won't. And neither will you. Competing interests: None declared Competing interests: No competing interests 22 March 2006 Anthony M. Benis, Sc.D., M.D. ret. Mt. Sinai Medical Center, New York 10029
Rapid Response:
Keep it simple for the students
Sensitivity and specificity are ratios.
SeNsitivity conveniently has an "N" and is a measure of false
negatives. SPecificity has a "P" and is a measure of false positives.
Nevertheless, if the prevalence of the condition is very low, even if
the specificity ratio is very high, then most positives will be false
positives.
Repeat: If the prevalence of a condition is very low, then most
positives will be false positives.
Tell the students to memorize this statement and "never forget it for
as long as you live".
They won't.
And neither will you.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests