Positivity

positivity

Positivity refers to how often a test or check shows a condition is present. In healthcare, it usually means the proportion of tests that come back positive out of all tests done. This can apply to lab tests, imaging, or results from home monitoring devices. Positivity depends on how common the condition is in the group being tested and on how sensitive the test is. A high positivity rate can mean many people actually have the condition, or it can mean the test often gives positive results even when the condition is not present. Understanding positivity matters because it helps doctors and public health workers judge whether testing is working and how many people need treatment or follow-up. If too many tests are positive when people are healthy, that creates false alarms and can lead to unnecessary treatment and worry. If too few positives are found when people are sick, cases can be missed and treatment delayed. Looking at positivity alongside other measures like how many people are tested and the accuracy of the test gives a clearer picture of what the results mean.