According to diagnostic testing principles, what should be assessed when evaluating high sensitivity tests?

In the context of diagnostic testing principles, high sensitivity tests are designed to identify the presence of a disease or condition accurately, ensuring that most individuals with the condition are correctly identified. The primary characteristic to assess for these tests is the percentage of true-positive results. This reflects the test's ability to correctly identify individuals who have the disease, minimizing the chance of false negatives.

High sensitivity is particularly important in screening tests, where the goal is to catch as many cases as possible, even at the expense of a few false positives. By focusing on the true-positive rate, one can understand how effectively a test detects the condition, which is crucial for early intervention and management of various health issues. As such, the evaluation of high sensitivity tests centers around how many of the actual positives the test successfully identifies, thereby supporting appropriate clinical actions.