[The utility of joint sensitivity and specificity curves applied to a diagnostic test]

The aim of this study was to obtain the cut point to determine an individual's seronegativity with respect to measles using commercial reagents. To determine the test sensitivity, the serum of 22 individuals 21 years of age or older, and a positive history of measles (positive control group) was studied. For specificity, the serum of 22 children 15 to 24 months old, and no measles vaccination record nor positive history of measles (negative control group), was analyzed. The antibodies titer determination for both groups was done using the ELISA technique and the Brunell method, subsequently, as well as a ROC curve (Received Operating Curve). When the Brunell method was used, the cut points were 0.4090 (sensitivity 1.0 and specificity 0.95) and 0.5042 (sensitivity 0.95 and specificity 1.0). When a ROC curve was done the cut point was 0.4500, with a sensitivity and specificity of 100 per cent. It was also concluded that the latter is the best method to obtain this cut point, because it does not establish arbitrary values when the data distribution does not follow a normal pattern.