Definition:
A false positive is defined as a positive result on a test for a disease or a condition, in an individual who does not have that disease or condition.
An example of a false positive would be a positive screening test for lung cancer in someone who does not have lung cancer. False positive results are one of the issues that need to be considered in someone who undergoes CT screening for lung cancer.
Also Known As: type I error, false alarm rate
Examples:
Jill was told that the screening test she had for lung cancer was positive, but after she went through more tests, her doctor said she didn't have lung cancer, thus making the test result a false positive.
