Predictive values Diagnostic test performance is measured by sensitivity and specificity. However, neither of these measurements informs the practitioner on the probability of disease in individuals with positive or negative test results. The real question that practitioners face is given … Continue reading
Sensitivity and Specificity Diagnostic tests are performed by veterinarians on a daily basis. These tests may range from physical examinations (i.e. listening to heart and lungs, measuring body temperature, etc.) to measuring antibody levels in blood by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay … Continue reading
Concepts of causation Investigating associations between risk factors (i.e. animal factors, environmental factors, or pathogen factors) and a particular outcome of interest (i.e. the occurrence of respiratory disease in weaned calves) are the core of epidemiologic studies. Although it may … Continue reading
Measuring risk When investigating problems of illness, death, or decreased production in cow-calf herds, a systematic approach to defining the problem, identifying risk factors, developing a plan, measuring impacts, and communicating results can aid the veterinarian and their client in … Continue reading
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