Dr. Tony Holohan:

It is still technically correct. Accuracy refers to the combination of both sensitivity and specificity. In other words, when we add up all of the correct numbers, whether correct positives or negatives, it will be over 99%. An individual woman can have confidence that her result is more than likely 99% accurate. Within that however, the Deputy is correct about the sensitivity and there is a question here to which we must be open. If, when the Scally processes finishes, there are recommendations on risk communication they will need to be taken on board. Across the practice in medicine we have encouraged too much, in an almost paternalistic sense, dependence on tests that are always fallible. People get the sense that they are 100% effective with every result but in reality, there is no test of which I am aware for which that is actually true. The phrase that is conventionally understood for general diagnostic work of "all clear" is not something that is accurate. Therefore, we need to be more clear in the way we communicate risk in the context of tests than we have been historically.