A test detects a disease earlier but does not change the time of death. What bias falsely inflates survival time?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Lead-time bias
Lead-time bias occurs when earlier detection increases the time between diagnosis and death without improving actual survival. This creates the illusion of extended survival.
Practice all 20 Screening and Diagnostic Test Validity questions
Keep practicing
More Screening and Diagnostic Test Validity questions
- A new screening test for colon cancer correctly identifies 95% of patients who truly have the disease. Which test characteristic does this…
- A diagnostic test has a specificity of 98%. What does this indicate about the test?
- A test for influenza shows many false positives. Which parameter is most likely low?
- A screening test for diabetes is used in a population where the disease prevalence is very low. Which parameter will be most affected?
- A test used for initial screening for HIV has very high sensitivity. Why is this desirable?
- A confirmatory test for HIV is chosen because it has very high specificity. What is the advantage of this?