A false negative occurs when the test is what and the gold standard is what?

• A. Positive, negative
• B. Negative, positive
• C. Positive, indeterminate
• D. Indeterminate, positive

Answer: (B)

A false negative is characterized by a situation in which a diagnostic test fails to identify a condition when, in fact, the condition is present. In this scenario, the test result is negative, indicating no presence of the disease or condition, while the gold standard, which is the definitive method of diagnosis, shows a positive result for the condition.

Understanding this concept is crucial in medical diagnostics, as it highlights a significant error that can lead to mismanagement or overlooking a patient's health issue. This is particularly important in fields like phlebology, where accurate detection of venous conditions is essential for appropriate treatment.

The other options do not correctly depict a false negative scenario. In essence, a false negative arises solely from the contrast of a negative test result against a positive confirmation from the gold standard.