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Predictive value of tests

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Predictive value of tests is the probability of a target condition (for example a disease) given by the result of a test, often in regard to medical tests.

In cases where a test result makes a binary classification of the test into either a positive or negative test, the resultant predictive value is designated to be a positive predictive value or a negative predictive value, respectively.

In cases where the test result is of a continuous value, the predictive value generally changes continuously along with the value. For example, the predictive value of the result of a pregnancy test that based on the urine concentration of hCG increases with increasing value of hCG.