The Specificity of the Standard Test to Detect Disease X

question 83

Multiple Choice

The specificity of the standard test to detect disease X in the general population is 73%.  A team of researchers set forth a goal to increase specificity for detecting disease X.  They develop a new test and conduct a study to evaluate its performance on a random sample from the general population.  The results of their study are shown below. According to these results, have the researchers achieved their goal?

• A)Cannot be determined because the prevalence of disease X is not provided
• B)No, the researchers' new test has about 9% lower specificity than the standard test
• C)No, the researchers' results lead to nearly the same specificity as the standard test
• D)Yes, the researchers achieved an increase in specificity of about 12%
• E)Yes, the researchers achieved an increase in specificity of about 15%

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Definitions:

Infants

Very young children, usually from birth up to one year old, who are in the early stages of development.

Realize

To become fully aware of something as a fact; to understand clearly.

Dying

The process of approaching death, including the cessation of biological functions that sustain life.

Disease

A disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, especially one that produces specific symptoms or affects a specific location.