False negative rate

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False Negative Rate is a statistical measure used in binary classification tests, such as medical diagnostic tests. It refers to the probability that a test will incorrectly indicate the absence of a condition, when in fact, the condition is present.

Definition[edit | edit source]

The False Negative Rate (FNR), also known as the Miss Rate, is the proportion of positive instances that were erroneously classified as negative. It is calculated as the number of false negatives divided by the sum of the number of false negatives and the number of true positives. It is complementary to the Sensitivity or True Positive Rate.

Calculation[edit | edit source]

The formula for calculating the False Negative Rate is:

FNR = FN / (FN + TP)

Where:

  • FN = False Negatives
  • TP = True Positives

Importance in Medical Testing[edit | edit source]

In the context of medical testing, a high False Negative Rate can have serious implications. For instance, if a diagnostic test for a serious disease has a high FNR, it means that a significant number of people who have the disease will be incorrectly told they do not, potentially delaying treatment.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


False negative rate Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD