False-positive

Definition

A false-positive occurs when a test incorrectly indicates the presence of a condition, such as an infection or disease, when it is not actually present. This can lead to misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. False-positives can occur in serological tests detecting antibodies produced by the immune system.
2. In monoclonal antibody production, specificity issues might result in false-positive results due to cross-reactivity.
3. Certain acellular diseases of the nervous system may yield false-positive results in diagnostic tests due to molecular mimicry.
4. False-positives can affect the accuracy of epidemiological studies and public health interventions.
5. Reducing false-positives involves improving test sensitivity and specificity through advanced laboratory techniques.

Review Questions

• What factors can contribute to a false-positive result in serological testing?
• How might monoclonal antibody production lead to a false-positive outcome?
• Why are false-positives particularly concerning in the diagnosis of acellular nervous system diseases?

Related terms

false-negative: A test result that incorrectly indicates absence of a condition when it is actually present.

specificity: The ability of a test to correctly identify those without the condition or disease.

sensitivity: The ability of a test to correctly identify those with the condition or disease.