program sensitivity
Proportion of affected infants correctly identified by a newborn screening program.
Full Definition
A key performance measure representing the percentage of infants with screened conditions who are correctly identified as screen positive by the program. High sensitivity is crucial for newborn screening effectiveness, as false negative results can lead to missed diagnoses and preventable morbidity or mortality. Program sensitivity is calculated by dividing true positives by the sum of true positives and false negatives. Factors affecting sensitivity include cutoff values, collection timing, laboratory methodology, and specimen quality. Programs continuously monitor sensitivity through case ascertainment and follow-up studies.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from analytical sensitivity, which refers to the limit of detection for the assay.
In Context
- "The program achieved 98% sensitivity for PKU detection over the five-year evaluation period." — Program evaluation report
- "Lowering cutoff values improved program sensitivity but increased false positive rates." — Statistical analysis