Table 2.
Changes in the predictive ability of screening tests based on changes in prevalence of disease
| Age | Pretest probability | Pre-test odds | Post-test Odds | Positive predictive value | Negative predictive value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Probability of a test with 95% sensitivity and specificity | 30 | 0.02 (2/100) | 0.02 | 0.39 | 0.27 | 0.99 |
| 38 | 0.10 (10/100) | 0.11 | 2.09 | 0.68 | 0.99 | |
| 40 | 0.30 (30/100) | 0.43 | 8.14 | 0.89 | 0.98 | |
| Probability of a test with 98% sensitivity and 60% specificity | 30 | 0.02 (2/100) | 0.02 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.99 |
| 38 | 0.10 (10/100) | 0.11 | 0.27 | 0.21 | 0.99 | |
| 40 | 0.30 (30/100) | 0.43 | 1.05 | 0.51 | 0.99 | |
| Probability of a test with 71% sensitivity and 98% specificity* | 30 | 0.02 (2/100) | 0.02 | 0.72 | 0.42 | 0.99 |
| 38 | 0.10 (10/100) | 0.11 | 3.6 | 0.80 | 0.97 | |
| 40 | 0.30 (30/100) | 0.43 | 15.2 | 0.94 | 0.89 |
Best combination test using mean day 3 FSH + mean day 10 inhibin B over 2 cycles.
A combination test of AFC, inhibin B, and basal FSH yields a 75% sensitivity and a 95% specificity, thus yield post-test probability of 23%, 60%, 82% for 30, 38, and 40 year-old women consecutively.