Which characteristic describes sensitivity in a test?

Sensitivity refers to the ability of a test to accurately identify individuals who truly have the condition being tested for. It is defined as the probability that the test correctly identifies a positive case when that case is, in fact, positive. This means that when sensitivity is high, a test is effective at detecting true positives, minimizing the chance of missing cases that require attention or treatment.

When discussing the characteristic of sensitivity, it is critical to focus on its role in identifying the presence of a condition. A sensitive test will yield a high percentage of true positive results, which is essential in healthcare, especially for screening procedures. This quality ensures that patients who are affected by the condition are correctly identified, allowing for timely intervention.

The other options describe different aspects of test performance but do not accurately capture the essence of sensitivity. Understanding this concept helps healthcare professionals select appropriate tests that maximize the detection of the condition in question, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.