In prenatal testing for spina bifida, a life threatening disease, a false positive result indicates that an fetus has spina bifida when, in fact, it does not; a false negative result indicates that a fetus does not have spina bifida when, in fact, it does. To detect spina bifida most accurately, physicians should use the laboratory test that has the lowest proportion of false positive results.
Which of the following, if true, gives the most support to the recommendation above?
A. All laboratory tests to detect spina bifida have the same proportion of false negative results.
B. The laboratory test that has the lowest proportions of false positive results causes the same minor side effects as do the other laboratory tests used to detect spina bifida.
C. In treating spina bifida patients, it is essential to begin treatment as early as possible, since even a week of delay can result in loss of life.
D. The proportion of inconclusive test results is equal for all laboratory tests used to detect spina bifida.
E. The accepted treatment for spina bifida does not have damaging side effects.
B
B…