Browse the glossary:
NPV
The negative predictive value of a screening or diagnostic test indicates the likelihood that a person with a negative test result would actually not have the condition for which the test is used; i.e. the probability that a negative test result is correct.
The higher the value of the negative predictive value (e.g. 99% might be considered a high value), the more useful the test is for predicting that the person does not have the condition.
For example, the negative predictive value of a normal prostate specific antigen (PSA) test in prostate cancer screening is about 98%. This means it is very unlikely that men with a normal PSA test result on routine screening have the condition.
If you feel that this definition hasn't helped you to understand the term, click on our monkey to let us know.