What is the term for the second, more precise test used after an initial positive screening?

• A. Presumptive test
• B. Screening test
• C. Confirmatory test
• D. Qualitative test

Answer: (C)

When a second, more precise test is used after an initial positive screening, the term is confirmatory test. The screening step is designed to cast a wide net and catch as many true cases as possible, which means it can produce false positives. The confirmatory test is chosen for its high specificity, providing definitive verification that the condition is truly present and reducing the chance of a false positive from the initial screen. In practice, you might see an initial sensitive test followed by a more exact test to confirm the result. The other terms describe different parts of the process: a presumptive test is an early, tentative indication; a screening test is the initial broad test; and a qualitative test simply says yes or no about presence, without addressing the need for confirmation.