What does sensitivity measure in the context of disease screening?

Sensitivity in the context of disease screening refers to the ability of a test to correctly identify individuals who have the disease. Specifically, it measures the proportion of true positives—those who actually have the condition and test positive for it. A high sensitivity means that the test is effective at detecting the disease in those who are affected, thus minimizing the chances of false negatives.

Understanding sensitivity is crucial in screening because it indicates how well the test can catch the disease early, which is often vital for effective treatment and intervention. In clinical practice, a highly sensitive test is especially important in scenarios where it is critical to detect a disease as early as possible, even if that may result in some false positives. This characteristic aids in the formulation of preventative strategies and treatment protocols.