Intermediate
Technical
IVT
true negative
Screening results that correctly identify unaffected individuals as negative.
Full Definition
Accurate screening outcomes where the test correctly identifies individuals who do not have the screened condition. True negatives represent the desired outcome for the majority of screened infants and contribute to overall screening specificity. These results provide reassurance to families and healthcare providers about the infant's health status regarding screened conditions.
Usage
Usage note: Use in technical discussions of screening performance; avoid in parent communication.
In Context
- "The high rate of true negatives demonstrates good screening specificity." — Program performance analysis
- "True negative results require no additional follow-up beyond routine pediatric care." — Clinical protocol guidelines
Also known as
correct negative
Contrasted with
false negative
false positive
true positive
Don't confuse with
false negative
screen negative