What does high sensitivity in a diagnostic test indicate?

High sensitivity in a diagnostic test signifies that the test is effective at correctly identifying individuals who have the disease or condition in question. This means that the likelihood of obtaining a false negative result—where the test fails to detect the presence of the disease when it is actually there—is low. In essence, a highly sensitive test will capture most, if not all, true cases, which is crucial in screening scenarios where the goal is to identify as many affected individuals as possible.

This characteristic is particularly important in early detection and treatment, as missing a diagnosis can have significant health implications. Thus, the focus on sensitivity makes it a key attribute in tests where the consequences of false negatives are severe, such as in oncological screenings or infectious disease testing. A test with high sensitivity provides reassurance that few individuals who are sick are overlooked, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of medical interventions.