New patient-oriented diagnostic test characteristics analogous to the likelihood ratios conveyed information on trustworthiness

Objective: Suggesting patient-oriented ratio measures of diagnostic tests analogous to the likelihood ratios. Study Design and Setting: Algebraic equation based on Bayes' theorem. Results: Two new measures are suggested: the positive predictive ratio (PPR), relating the positive predictive value (PPV) to the false negative rate in the patient population, and the negative predictive ratio (NPR), relating the negative predictive value (NPV) to the false positive rate in the patient population. The new measures are analogous to likelihood ratios. These measures are calculable from the familiar 2x2 table in a selected study population or in a target (general) population. Examples are given, using published data. Conclusion: PPR adds to the information given by the PPV, and NPR adds to the information given by the NPV. PPR and NPR may be more appropriate in the clinical setting than likelihood ratios. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.