What does "sensitivity" refer to in diagnostic testing?

Sensitivity in diagnostic testing is defined as the ability of a test to correctly identify individuals who have a particular disease. In other words, it reflects the test's effectiveness in detecting the presence of the condition when it is actually present. A highly sensitive test minimizes the chances of false negatives, meaning that it significantly reduces the likelihood that someone who is afflicted with the disease will receive a negative test result.

For example, in screening for a disease like cancer, a test with high sensitivity would accurately identify those individuals who have cancer, ensuring that they receive the necessary treatment. This is especially crucial in managing diseases where early detection can lead to better outcomes. Thus, the correct understanding of sensitivity is vital for evaluating the performance of various diagnostic tests in clinical practice.