Quote (Black XistenZ @ Sep 3 2021 11:02pm)
True, but medical tests are typically calibrated to have very low false negative rates because those are much more dangerous than false positives.
Not necessarily, since you're already pre-screening people before you even give them the test, and even if you have a negative test a good doctor might reject the negative test if you can rule out other causes with similar symptoms.
It's also unfortunate that false positives can result in more harm than false negatives, but the perception is that false negatives are worse. For instance there's some legitimate concern over breast cancer screenings for women finding false positives and requiring biopsies, or identifying masses that will never metastasize and resulting in treatment. Over-diagnosis is an often overlooked problem that causes real issues. Over-treatment as well since you get money for treating things. Although that tends to be a problem in places like nursing homes and places that can easily bill medicare/medicaid and have patients who won't easily object.
This post was edited by NetflixAdaptationWidow on Sep 4 2021 12:35am