Overview :

The false negative rate for a test is the  false-negative test results divided by all patients with the disease.

false-negative rate =

= (c / (a + c))

where:

• c =  false negatives

• (a + c ) = sum of (true positives,  false negatives) = all people with disease

false-negative rate =

= 1 – (sensitivity)

Braunwald E, Isselbacher KJ, et al (editors). Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 11th edition. McGraw-Hill Book Publishers. 1987. page 7

Goldman L. Chapter 10: Quantitative aspects of clinical reasoning. pages 43-48. IN: Isselbacher KJ, Braunwald E, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, Thirteenth Edition. McGraw-Hill. 1994.

Panzer RJ, Black ER, Griner PF. Interpretation of diagnostic tests and strategies for their use in quantitative decision making. pages 17-28. IN: Panzer RJ, Black ER, et al. Diagnostic Strategies for Common Medical Problems. American College of Physicians. 1991.

Speicher C, Smith JW Jr.. Choosing Effective Laboratory Tests. WB Saunders. 1983. pages 50-51, and 210