Table 1

Definition of sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of a discrete test for the presence of a disease

Sensitivity, Specificity, and Predictive Value of a Discrete Test for the Presence of a Disease


Disease Present
Disease Absent
Positive Test
a (true positive)
b (false positive)
Negative Test
c (false negative)
d (true negative)





Tzouvelekis et al. Respiratory Research 2005 6:78   doi:10.1186/1465-9921-6-78