The Ministry of Health of a developing country is considering the nationwide imp
ID: 3259652 • Letter: T
Question
The Ministry of Health of a developing country is considering the nationwide implementation of a test using biomarkers to screen for breast cancer. The test is delivered in health clinics in two similar regions of the country, with the following results:
Region A Region B
Sensitivity 70% 80%
Specificity 85% 95%
The positive and negative predictive values are different between the two regions.
Which of the following is the most likely cause of the difference in the test’s sensitivity and specificity between the two regions?
The incidence of disease is different between the two
Length-biased sampling has occurred
The prevalence of disease is different between the two regions
The test is detecting the disease earlier in its natural history in one of the regions
The test was not administered in similar conditions in the two regions
The incidence of disease is different between the two
Length-biased sampling has occurred
The prevalence of disease is different between the two regions
The test is detecting the disease earlier in its natural history in one of the regions
The test was not administered in similar conditions in the two regions
Explanation / Answer
Solution:
Which of the following is the most likely cause of the difference in the test’s sensitivity and specificity between the two regions
option D) The test was not administered in similar conditions in the two regions