Analytical sensitivity

Analytical Sensitivity refers to the ability of a diagnostic test to identify a particular disease or condition when it is present in the body. It is a key factor in the effectiveness of diagnostic tests and is often used as a measure of a test's performance.

Definition

Analytical sensitivity, also known as the detection limit, is the smallest quantity of a substance that an analytical process can reliably detect. In the context of diagnostic testing, it refers to the lowest concentration of a disease marker that a test can detect in a sample.

Importance

The analytical sensitivity of a test is crucial in determining its effectiveness. A test with high analytical sensitivity is able to detect very low levels of a disease marker, making it possible to identify a disease or condition at an early stage. This can be particularly important in the case of diseases such as cancer, where early detection can significantly improve the prognosis.

Factors Affecting Analytical Sensitivity

Several factors can affect the analytical sensitivity of a test. These include the quality of the sample, the method of sample preparation, the type of test used, and the presence of interfering substances in the sample.

Analytical Sensitivity vs. Analytical Specificity

Analytical sensitivity should not be confused with analytical specificity, which is the ability of a test to correctly identify the absence of a disease or condition. A test with high analytical specificity will produce few false positive results, while a test with high analytical sensitivity will produce few false negative results.

See Also

• Diagnostic test
• Analytical specificity
• Sensitivity and specificity