Screening: practice question

A PSM question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

PSM · Screening

Sample item

Which measure describes the ability of a test to rule out disease when negative?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Negative predictive value

Negative predictive value is the probability that someone with a negative test truly does not have the disease in that tested population.

Option by option

  • A. Negative predictive value (correct)

    Correct: NPV concerns truth of negative results.

  • B. Incidence density

    Incidence density measures new events per person-time.

  • C. Case fatality ratio

    Case fatality measures deaths among cases.

  • D. Positive likelihood ratio

    Positive likelihood ratio describes impact of a positive test.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More PSM questions

Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is A, Negative predictive value. Negative predictive value is the probability that someone with a negative test truly does not have the disease in that tested population.

Why is "Incidence density" not the answer?

Incidence density measures new events per person-time.

Why is "Case fatality ratio" not the answer?

Case fatality measures deaths among cases.

Why is "Positive likelihood ratio" not the answer?

Positive likelihood ratio describes impact of a positive test.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Screening in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: NPV concerns truth of negative results.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Screening?

Practise biostatistics with small calculations until sensitivity, predictive values and risk measures are automatic. Then use the flashcards and the other PSM questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.