In our last two articles, we showed that one can quantify the reduction
in uncertainty that results from diagnostic testing, an insight that
allowed us to describe a method for optimizing the performance of a test by
choosing a cutoff that maximizes its information yield. Although minimizing
uncertainty is an important feature of diagnostic testing, there are many
situations in which diagnostic tests are most appropriately used to balance
risks and benefits associated with the various possible courses of action
available to a clinician. This article shows how tests can be used to
maximize the "expected utility" associated with a clinical decision.Abstract Teaser