A laboratory test has __________ ___________ when it offers medical benefit to the patient

A laboratory test has clinical validity when it offers medical benefit to the patient.

Clinical validity refers to how well a test can predict the presence or absence of a disease or condition. This includes the test's sensitivity (the ability to correctly identify those with the disease) and specificity (the ability to correctly identify those without the disease). A test with high clinical validity directly contributes to improved patient outcomes by ensuring correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment decisions.

For instance, if a laboratory test can reliably differentiate between a healthy individual and one with a specific condition, it is said to have high clinical validity. The presence of clinical validity ensures that healthcare providers can trust the results of the laboratory tests, leading to effective management of diseases and ultimately benefitting patient care.