In screening, two tests are often necessary each with different performance characteristics. These may be offered at the same time (parallel testing) or sequentially (serial testing) [1].
Parallel versus serial testing.
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Testing strategy:
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Parallel testing
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Serial testing
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Procedure:
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Two screening tests performed at the same time and the results are subsequently combined
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Second screening test is performed only if the result of the first screening test is positive
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Effect:
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Higher sensitivity but lower specificity
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Improves specificity at the cost of lower sensitivity
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References
1. Sheringham J, Kalim K, Crayford T. Mastering Public Health: A guide to examinations and revalidation. ISBN-13 978-1-85315-781-3.
