Biostatistics: practice question

A PSM question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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PSM · Biostatistics

Sample item

Of 200 people who truly have a disease, a screening test is positive in 180. What is the sensitivity of the test?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. 90%

Sensitivity is true positives divided by all people with the disease: 180/200 = 90%. It tells you how good the test is at not missing disease.

Option by option

  • A. 80%

    80% would need 160 positives.

  • B. 10%

    10% is the false-negative rate (20/200).

  • C. 18%

    18% does not correspond to a standard measure here.

  • D. 90% (correct)

    Correct.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More PSM questions

Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is D, 90%. Sensitivity is true positives divided by all people with the disease: 180/200 = 90%.

Why is "80%" not the answer?

80% would need 160 positives.

Why is "10%" not the answer?

10% is the false-negative rate (20/200).

Why is "18%" not the answer?

18% does not correspond to a standard measure here.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Biostatistics in PSM. It tells you how good the test is at not missing disease.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Biostatistics?

Practise biostatistics with small calculations until sensitivity, predictive values and risk measures are automatic. Then use the flashcards and the other PSM questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.