Intro to Special Tests Flashcards
What is meant by specificity and sensitivity
Sensitivity: used to rule out pathology (SnOut)
Specificity: used to rule pathology more likely (SpIn).
Some tests have been studied extensively and others not as much. Those that have been research have a greater ability to rule out pathology or identify aka rule in pathology. We can used tests that have not be extensively studied with the hope that someday research will be able to look at the use of the tests over time to help determine their reliability and/or diagnostic accuracy. We have to understand that the use of EBP helps us determine what is valid, reliable, and accurate when it comes to special tests to help us make objective decisions regarding the patients we treat.
Why is it important to cluster special tests when attempting to achieve a diagnosis?
Not all special tests have great sensitivity, specificity
Clustering special tests improve diagnostic accuracy
The examiner may affect the accuracy, reliability of a special test simply because of physical variations between clinicians. For example, hand size, a person’s height, what setting they work in, and even their “bedside manner” aka the ability of them to build rapport with the patient can affect the test results. We have to be able to make informed decisions about what test or tests are appropriate for the patient that we are treating. It is best to cluster tests together, meaning using a few to test for the same pathology to improve diagnostic accuracy. We can also test for biceps brachii involvement, labrum tear, and specific rotator muscles to determine why the patient is having shoulder pain rather than just relying on only the Drop Arm test, for example, to only determine if there is RTC pathology or the Speed’s test to identify bicipital tendinitis.
