How is sensitivity defined in the context of test validation?

Sensitivity is defined as the ability of a test to correctly identify individuals who have a disease. In the context of test validation, a highly sensitive test means that it will correctly recognize a large proportion of true positive cases, minimizing the chance of false negatives. This is crucial in medical diagnostics, as failing to detect a disease in a patient can lead to a lack of treatment and worsening of the condition.

In practice, a sensitive test is particularly important for screening purposes, where it is paramount to catch as many positive cases as possible, even if that might lead to some false positives. This aspect ensures that individuals who truly require further evaluation or treatment are appropriately identified. Having a test with high sensitivity is vital in situations where missing a diagnosis could have serious health implications.