True negative (TN) is one of 4 possible outcomes when using a test with a binary outcome to detect disease: "test positive" is when the test result signifies that disease is present and "test negative" is when the test result signifies that disease is absent 1-3. A negative test in someone without disease is a true negative. The true negative rate (the probability of a negative test result in someone without disease) is also known as the specificity.
1. Parikh R, Mathai A, Parikh S, Chandra Sekhar G, Thomas R. Understanding and Using Sensitivity, Specificity and Predictive Values. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2008;56(1):45. doi:10.4103/0301-4738.37595 - Pubmed
2. Tigges S. Diagnostic Test Metrics and Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves: The Graphic Novel. Journal of the American College of Radiology. 2022;19(9):1034-41. doi:10.1016/j.jacr.2022.06.011 - Pubmed
3. Loong T. Understanding Sensitivity and Specificity with the Right Side of the Brain. BMJ. 2003;327(7417):716-9. doi:10.1136/bmj.327.7417.716 - Pubmed
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