Predictive value of tests

<p>Predictive value of tests is the <a href="/facts/Probability/fgYvMhwb">probability</a> of a target condition given by the result of a test, often in regard to <a href="/facts/Medical_test/rRgnuQSD">medical tests</a>.
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<ul><li>In cases where <a href="/facts/Binary_classification/MeYYAMwp">binary classification</a> can be applied to the test results, such yes versus no, test target (such as a substance, symptom or sign) being present versus absent, or either a <a href="/facts/Positive_or_negative_test/rRgnuQSD">positive or negative test</a>), then each of the two outcomes has a separate predictive value. For example, for positive or negative test, the predictive values are termed <a href="/facts/Positive_predictive_value/G238SK2V">positive predictive value</a> or <a href="/facts/Negative_predictive_value/G238SK2V">negative predictive value</a>, respectively.</li>
<li>In cases where the test result is of a continuous value, the predictive value generally changes continuously along with the value. For example, for a <a href="/facts/Pregnancy_test/fcM4u3Dg">pregnancy test</a> that displays the urine concentration of <a href="/facts/Human_chorionic_gonadotropin/AKeIq9nd">hCG</a>, the predictive value increases with increasing hCG value.</li></ul>
<p>A <a href="/facts/Binary_classification/MeYYAMwp">conversion of continuous values into binary values</a> can be performed, such as designating a pregnancy test as "positive" above a certain <a href="/facts/Cutoff_(reference_value)/IqNt7ELQ">cutoff value</a>, but this confers a loss of information and generally results in less accurate predictive values.
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Predictive value of tests open-in-new

Predictive value of tests