Safety, Professional Responsibilities and Evidence-Based PracticeDifficulty 3/5
A screening test has high sensitivity. What does a negative result allow you to conclude?
- AThe test is highly specific and therefore confirms the diagnosis
- BThe condition is effectively ruled in because false positives are rare
- CThe condition is effectively ruled out because false negatives are rare
- DNothing useful, because sensitivity concerns only positive results
Show answer and rationale
Correct: C. High sensitivity means few false negatives, so a negative result helps rule the condition out — the SnNout rule. High specificity is what makes a positive result useful for ruling in.
- B — Ruling in depends on specificity, not sensitivity.
- D — Sensitivity is precisely what gives a negative result meaning.
- A — Sensitivity and specificity are distinct properties.