Chapter 4, Problem 5FDD

Critical Thinking: Interpreting results from a test for smoking

It is estimated that roughly half of smokers lie when asked about their smoking involvement. Pulse CO-oximeters may be a way to get information about smoking without relying on patients’ statements. Pulse CO-oximeters use Light that shines through a fingernail, and it measures carbon monoxide in blood. These devices are used by firemen and emergency departments to detect carbon monoxide poisoning, but they can also be used to identify smokers. The accompanying table lists results from people aged 18–44 when the pulse CO-oximeter is set to detect a 6% or higher level of carboxyhemoglobin (based on data from “Carbon Monoxide Test Can Be Used to Identify Smoker.” by Patrice Wendling, Internal Medicine News, Vol. 40., No. 1, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

CO-Oximetry Test for Smoking

5. Sensitivity Find the sensitivity of the test by finding the probability of a true positive, given that the subject actually smokes.