What does high specificity in a test signify?

High specificity in a test signifies its ability to accurately identify true negatives. Specifically, a test with high specificity correctly confirms those who do not have the disease, minimizing the chance of falsely labeling someone as having the disease when they do not. This characteristic is crucial in ensuring that individuals without the condition are not subjected to unnecessary treatments or anxiety due to incorrect diagnoses.

In clinical practice, high specificity is particularly valuable in settings where confirming a disease's absence is essential. For example, in screening tests for serious conditions, a high specificity helps to ensure that individuals who are healthy are not mistakenly classified as ill, which can help to avoid further invasive testing and the associated side effects.