What does "Predictive Value" mean?
Table of Contents
Predictive value refers to how well a test or model can correctly identify a condition in patients. It helps to understand the chances that a person who tests positive actually has the condition or that a person who tests negative truly does not have it.
Types of Predictive Value
There are two main types of predictive value:
Positive Predictive Value (PPV)
This shows the likelihood that someone with a positive test result actually has the condition. A high PPV means that when the test says a person has the condition, it is likely to be true.
Negative Predictive Value (NPV)
This indicates the chance that a person with a negative test result does not have the condition. A high NPV means that when the test says a person is free of the condition, that is likely correct.
Importance
Knowing the predictive value of a test helps doctors and researchers make better decisions about diagnosis and treatment. It can also help in assessing the quality and reliability of the test itself.