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

reference standard test

— The best available method of determining whether people have a condition


Synonyms:

gold standard, reference test

Full explanation:

The reference standard is the test, combination of tests, or procedure that is considered the best available method of categorising participants in a study of diagnostic test accuracy as having or not having a target condition.

Evaluations of diagnostic test accuracy require a comparison between the diagnostic test being evaluated (e.g. a rapid diagnostic test for malaria), which is referred to as the index test, and a reference standard used to categorise participants as having or not having the target condition (e.g. microscopy for malaria).

See also:

diagnostic test  ·  index test

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.



← randomized study regulation of research →