Sigma Metrics for Assessing Accuracy of Molecular Testing

For any diagnostic testing, the bar for accuracy is high, for good reason. Disease status and therapy decisions are often defined by a single positive or negative result. In the case of molecular viral load testing of patients with hepatitis or human immunodeficiency virus infections, expensive antiviral therapies are continued or terminated based on laboratory results. If these results are not accurate, patients may be subjected to additional testing or to treatments, which can add expense, worry, and in some cases medical harms.

Source: Clinical Microbiology Newsletter - June 21, 2015 Category: Microbiology Authors: Sten Westgard, Danijela Lucic Source Type: news