Diagnostic Sensitivity
Diagnostic Sensitivity refers to how well a medical test can correctly identify patients who have a specific condition. Think of it as a test's ability to avoid missing real cases. For example, if a test has 95% sensitivity, it means it correctly identifies 95 out of 100 people who have the condition. This is especially important in medical device companies, clinical laboratories, and diagnostic test manufacturers. It's often discussed alongside other terms like "specificity" and "accuracy." When someone mentions this in their resume, they likely worked on developing, validating, or improving medical tests or diagnostic tools.
Examples in Resumes
Improved Diagnostic Sensitivity of COVID-19 testing methods from 85% to 95%
Led validation studies to measure Diagnostic Sensitivity of new blood screening tests
Developed protocols to enhance Diagnostic Sensitivity and Test Sensitivity in cancer detection methods
Typical job title: "Diagnostic Scientists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Diagnostic Scientists
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you approach improving the sensitivity of an existing diagnostic test?
Expected Answer: A senior scientist should discuss systematic approach including sample preparation optimization, detection method improvements, and validation protocols, while considering regulatory requirements and cost implications.
Q: How do you balance sensitivity requirements with other test parameters in test development?
Expected Answer: Should explain the relationship between sensitivity and specificity, discuss risk assessment, clinical needs, and how to make informed decisions based on the test's intended use and market requirements.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors can affect diagnostic sensitivity in a clinical test?
Expected Answer: Should mention sample quality, storage conditions, testing methodology, equipment calibration, and operator training as key factors that can impact test sensitivity.
Q: How do you validate the sensitivity of a diagnostic test?
Expected Answer: Should describe the process of running known positive and negative samples, calculating true positive rates, and following industry standard validation protocols.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is diagnostic sensitivity and why is it important?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that sensitivity measures a test's ability to correctly identify positive cases and why this matters for patient care and diagnosis.
Q: How would you calculate diagnostic sensitivity?
Expected Answer: Should explain the basic formula: true positives divided by the sum of true positives and false negatives, expressed as a percentage.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic laboratory techniques
- Understanding of sensitivity calculations
- Data collection and recording
- Following standard operating procedures
Mid (2-5 years)
- Test validation procedures
- Troubleshooting methods
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Protocol development
Senior (5+ years)
- Test development and optimization
- Regulatory compliance knowledge
- Project leadership
- Method validation strategy
Red Flags to Watch For
- No hands-on laboratory experience
- Lack of understanding of basic statistical concepts
- No experience with validation protocols
- Poor documentation practices
- Unfamiliarity with quality control procedures
Related Terms
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