What is a definition of sensitivity of a diagnostic test?

Sensitivity of a diagnostic test is defined as the test's ability to correctly identify individuals who have a particular condition, which is also referred to as the test's capacity to detect true positives. A high sensitivity means that the test effectively identifies most patients who are actually suffering from the condition, minimizing the chances of false negatives, which occur when the test fails to detect the presence of the condition.

This definition underscores the importance of sensitivity in clinical settings, especially for conditions where early detection is crucial for effective management and treatment. A test with high sensitivity is particularly valuable because it ensures that most cases are caught, helping to ensure that patients receive the care they need without significant delays.

The other choices focus on different aspects of diagnostic testing, such as specificity, which relates to true negatives, the speed of obtaining results, and overall accuracy. However, these factors do not pertain to the ability of the test to detect true positives, which is the key aspect of sensitivity.