Browse the glossary:

A    B    C    D    E    F    G    H    I    J    K    L   
M    N    O    P    Q    R    S    T    U    V    W    X    Y    Z

cut-off value

— For diagnostic or screening tests, the value used to divide continuous results into categories; typically positive and negative


Synonyms:

cut-off point, cut point, threshold

Full explanation:

For diagnostic or screening tests that have continuous results (measured on a scale), cut-off values are the dividing points on measuring scales where the test results are divided into different categories; typically positive (indicating someone has the condition of interest), or negative (indicating someone does not have the condition of interest).

Example:

For example, the cut off for someone having a fever (measured on the Celsius scale) is 37.0 (the average human body temperature), a cut off below which treatment is not recommended for adults is 38.9, and a cut off below which a fever usually is not dangerous is 39.4.

Still don't get it?

If you feel that this definition hasn't helped you to understand the term, click on our monkey to let us know.



← crossover study data collection →