In a screening programme for cervical cancer, a test with high sensitivity is preferred. The primary reason for this is:

• A To minimize false positives and unnecessary follow-up
• B To maximize detection of true cases and minimize false negatives ✓
• C To improve the positive predictive value in low-prevalence populations
• D To reduce the cost of the screening programme

Explanation

High sensitivity means the test correctly identifies most true positive cases (low false negative rate). In mass screening for a serious disease like cervical cancer, missing true cases (false negatives) has serious consequences — untreated disease progresses. High sensitivity ensures maximum case detection; a separate confirmatory test with high specificity is then applied to reduce false positives.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.