Enter the true positive and the false negative into the Calculator. The calculator will evaluate the Net Sensitivity. 

Net Sensitivity Formula

NS = TP / (TP+FN) * 100

Variables:

  • NS is the Net Sensitivity (%)
  • TP is the true positive
  • FN is the false negative

To calculate Net Sensitivity, divide the true positives by the number of true positives and false negatives, then multiply by 100.

How to Calculate Net Sensitivity?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Net Sensitivity.


  1. First, determine the true positive. 
  2. Next, determine the false negative. 
  3. Next, gather the formula from above = NS = TP / (TP+FN) * 100.
  4. Finally, calculate the Net Sensitivity.
  5. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

true positive = 10

false negative = 5

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Net Sensitivity and Specificity?

Net Sensitivity measures the proportion of actual positives correctly identified as such (e.g., the percentage of sick people correctly identified as having the condition), while Specificity measures the proportion of actual negatives correctly identified (e.g., the percentage of healthy people correctly identified as not having the condition).

Why is calculating Net Sensitivity important?

Calculating Net Sensitivity is crucial in medical testing as it helps determine the effectiveness of a test in correctly identifying patients with a condition. High Net Sensitivity indicates that the test is good at catching true positives, which is particularly important for serious conditions where missing a diagnosis could have severe implications.

Can a test have high Net Sensitivity but low Specificity?

Yes, a test can have high Net Sensitivity but low Specificity. This means the test is good at identifying individuals with the condition but also has a high rate of false positives, indicating individuals without the condition as having it. Balancing sensitivity and specificity is crucial for the effectiveness of a test.

How can the formula for Net Sensitivity be applied in real-world scenarios?

The formula for Net Sensitivity can be applied in various real-world scenarios, especially in healthcare, to evaluate the effectiveness of diagnostic tests. For example, in screening for diseases, calculating the Net Sensitivity of a test can help healthcare providers understand how well the test can identify patients with the disease out of all those who actually have it.