special subjects
Clinical Decision Making Strategies
Probability Estimations and the Testing Threshold
Even when diagnosis is uncertain, testing is not always useful. A test should be done only if its results will affect management. When disease pre-test probability is above a certain threshold, treatment is warranted ( Probability Estimations and the Treatment Threshold ) and testing may not be indicated. the treatment threshold. The lowest pre-test probability at which this can occur depends on test characteristics and is termed the testing threshold. The Testing Thresholds is discussed in greater detail elsewhere. 