Analytical sensitivity
Analytical Sensitivity
Analytical sensitivity (pronunciation: /ˌænəˈlɪtɪkəl sɛnsɪˈtɪvɪti/) refers to the ability of a diagnostic test to identify a particular disease or condition. It is a measure of how well a test can detect the smallest amount of the substance it is designed to detect.
Etymology
The term "analytical sensitivity" is derived from the words "analysis" (from the Greek analusis meaning "a breaking up, a loosening, releasing") and "sensitivity" (from the Latin sensitivus meaning "endowed with sensation, sensitive").
Definition
Analytical sensitivity is defined as the smallest concentration or amount of a analyte (the substance or chemical being analyzed or detected in the test) that can be reliably measured by an assay. This is often expressed as the limit of detection (LOD).
Importance
The analytical sensitivity of a test is crucial in determining the reliability and accuracy of the test results. A test with high analytical sensitivity is able to detect very small amounts of the analyte, which can be particularly important in early detection of diseases.
Related Terms
- Analytical specificity: This is the ability of a test to correctly identify only the specific substance it is designed to detect. It is the complement to analytical sensitivity.
- Limit of detection (LOD): This is the lowest quantity of a substance that can be distinguished from the absence of that substance with a stated confidence level.
- Diagnostic sensitivity: This is the ability of a test to correctly identify those with the disease.
- Diagnostic specificity: This is the ability of a test to correctly identify those without the disease.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Analytical sensitivity
- Wikipedia's article - Analytical sensitivity
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