Chapter·BiostatisticsSensitivity/Specificity

Trade-offs between sensitivity and specificityDownloads

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1

Group of 100 medical students took an end of the year exam. The mean score on the exam was 70%, with a standard deviation of 25%. The professor states that a student's score must be within the 95% confidence interval of the mean to pass the exam. Which of the following is the minimum score a student can have to pass the exam?

A45%

B63.75%

C67.5%

D20%

E65%

2

An at-home recreational drug screening test kit is currently being developed. They consult you for assistance with determining an ideal cut-off point for the level of the serum marker in the test kit. This cut-off point will determine what level of serum marker is associated with a positive or negative test, with serum marker levels greater than the cut-off point indicative of a positive test and vice-versa. The cut-off level is initially set at 4 mg/uL, which is associated with a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 97%. How will the sensitivity and specificity of the test change if the cut-off level is raised to 6 mg/uL?

ASensitivity decreases, specificity decreases

BSensitivity decreases, specificity may increase or decrease

CSensitivity decreases, specificity increases

DSensitivity increases, specificity increases

ESensitivity increases, specificity decreases

3

A mother presents to the family physician with her 16-year-old son. She explains, "There's something wrong with him doc. His grades are getting worse, he's cutting class, he's gaining weight, and his eyes are often bloodshot." Upon interviewing the patient apart from his mother, he seems withdrawn and angry at times when probed about his social history. The patient denies abuse and sexual history. What initial test should be sent to rule out the most likely culprit of this patient's behavior?

AComplete blood count

BSexually transmitted infection (STI) testing

CBlood culture

DUrine toxicology screen

ESlit lamp examination

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