Biology of Disease

QUESTIONS

1. Which of the following terms best describes a test used to detect
   disease before it presents clinically?

a) diagnostic test;

b) sensitive test;

c) screening test;

d) prognostic test;

e) specific test.

2. The term used to describe the cause of a disease is:

a) manifestation;

b) etiology;

c) pathogenesis;

d) mortality;

e) epidemiology.

3. A Na+ solution of 10 mmol dm–3 was measured by two methods X
   and Y. The value obtained with method X was 11.8 mmol dm–3 and
   for method Y it was 9.7 mmol dm–3. Which one of the following state-
   ments is correct?

a) Method X is more accurate than method Y.

b) Method X is more precise than method Y.

c) Method Y is more accurate than method X.

d) Method Y is more precise than method X.

e) Method X is as accurate as method Y.

4. The concentration of Mg2+ in the serum of an individual is 0.5 mmol
   dm–3. The reference range is 0.7 to 1.0 mmol dm–3. Is it possible to be
   100% certain that this individual has a deficiency of Mg2+? Explain
   your answer.

Further Reading

Henny, J and Hyltoft Petersen, P (2004) Reference values: from philosophy to

a tool for laboratory medicine. Clin. Chem. Lab. Med.42: 686–691.

Hooper, J, McCreanor, G, Marshall, W and Myers, P (1996) Primary Care and

Laboratory Medicine. ACB Venture Publications, Cambridge.

Irjala, KM and Gronroos, PE (1998) Preanalytical and analytical factors

affecting laboratory results. Ann. Med.30: 267–272.

Khan, KS, Dinnes, J and Klijnen, J (2001) Systematic reviews to evaluate

diagnostic tests. Eur. J. Obstet. Gynecol. Reprod. Biol.95: 6–11.

Libeer, J-C (2001) Role of external quality assurance schemes in assessing

and improving quality in medical laboratories. Clin. Chim. Acta 309:

173–177.

Moyer, VA and Kennedy, KA (2003) Understanding and using diagnostic tests.

Clin. Perinatol.30: 189–204.

X]VeiZg&/ THE NATURE AND INVESTIGATION OF DISEASES

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