Screening and Diagnostic Test Validity · USMLE Step 1

If the prevalence of a condition increases, how does this affect positive predictive value (PPV)?

  1. PPV increases
  2. PPV decreases
  3. PPV stays the same
  4. PPV becomes equal to sensitivity
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: PPV increases

PPV increases as disease prevalence increases because a positive result is more likely to reflect true disease. Prevalence strongly influences PPV.

Difficulty: Medium Question 8 of 20

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