'''Predictive value of tests''' is the probability of a target condition given by the result of a test,<ref>{{cite web |title=Predictive Value of Tests - MeSH - NCBI |url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh?term=Predictive+Value+Tests |website=www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov |accessdate=12 August 2018 |language=en}}</ref> often in regard to medical tests.
*In cases where binary classification can be applied to the test results (such as yes versus no, test target (substance, symptom, sign, etc.) being present versus absent, or a positive or negative test), then each of the two outcomes has a separate predictive value. For example, for a positive or negative test, the predictive values are termed positive predictive value or negative predictive value, respectively. *In cases where the test result is of a continuous value, the predictive value generally changes continuously along with the value. For example, for a pregnancy test that displays the urine concentration of hCG, the predictive value increases with increasing hCG value.
A conversion of continuous values into binary values can be performed, such as designating a pregnancy test as "positive" above a certain cutoff value, but this confers a loss of information and generally results in less accurate predictive values. {{dablink|For more information on conversion and its disadvantages, see Artificial binary classification.}}
==See also== * Positive predictive value * Negative predictive value ==References== {{Reflist}}
Category:Medical tests
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