Question

A new blood test has been developed to screen for disease Z. Researchers establish 50 units as a cut point above which a test is considered positive and thereby indicative of disease. The test manufacturers determine that the test’s sensitivity is unacceptably low. However, the manufacturers are not concerned with the specificity and do not want the cost of the test to rise. How can they improve the sensitivity of the test?

(A) Test each person’s blood twice.
(B) Lower the cut point below 50 units.
(C) Raise the cut point above 50 units.
(D) They cannot improve this test and should begin work developing a new test.

Answer 1

(B) Lower the cut point below 50 units.

Explanation:

From the given information,

Number of units that the researcher establishes a cut point above which a test is considered positive thereby indicative of the disease is 50.

Since, the manufacturer are not concerned with the specificity and not want the cost of the test to rise.

hence, if the researcher lower the cut below 50 units they can improve the sensitivity of the test.

hence option b is correct answer