If a screening test has high sensitivity but low specificity, what is the likely result?

If a screening test has high sensitivity but low specificity, what is the likely result?

• A. Many false positives
• B. Many false negatives
• C. No false results
• D. Perfect accuracy

Answer: (A)

High sensitivity with low specificity means the test will pick up most people who have the condition, but it will also flag many people who do not have it. Sensitivity reflects how well the test detects true positives, so a high sensitivity minimizes false negatives. Specificity reflects how well the test identifies true negatives; a low specificity means many healthy individuals test positive, creating false positives. Therefore the likely result is many false positives, which can lead to unnecessary follow-up testing.

High sensitivity with low specificity means the test will pick up most people who have the condition, but it will also flag many people who do not have it. Sensitivity reflects how well the test detects true positives, so a high sensitivity minimizes false negatives. Specificity reflects how well the test identifies true negatives; a low specificity means many healthy individuals test positive, creating false positives. Therefore the likely result is many false positives, which can lead to unnecessary follow-up testing.