When two screening tests are applied in PARALLEL (simultaneously) for the same disease, the result compared to using either test alone is:

• A Lower sensitivity, higher specificity
• B Higher sensitivity, higher specificity
• C Lower sensitivity, lower specificity
• D Higher sensitivity, lower specificity ✓

Explanation

Parallel testing — a positive result on EITHER test is considered positive — maximizes sensitivity (catches more true cases, fewer false negatives) at the cost of specificity (more false positives). It is used when missing a case is catastrophic, such as HIV screening in blood banks. Series testing (both tests must be positive) achieves the opposite: higher specificity with lower sensitivity, used to confirm positives from initial parallel screening.

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.