Summary
The authors emphasize the need to introduce the concept of validity (sensitivity and specificity) of biological test methods in epidemiological toxicology (occupational and public health). Up till now too often relevant information is lost, because the frequency distribution of individual data is not taken into account. The method of calculating parameters of validity is demonstrated. These parameters add relevant information for determining the feasibility of test methods; they provide valuable information not presented by classical statistical treatment of data. Several examples have been worked out to elucidate the approach.
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Professor in public health, particularly in regard to occupational medicine and environmental health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Amsterdam.
Research worker Coronel Laboratory.
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Zielhuis, R.L., Verberk, M.M. Validity of biological tests in epidemiological toxicology. Int. Arch. Arbeitsmed 32, 167–190 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00539335
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00539335