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*''b<sub>n</sub>'' is the net benefit of performing a medical test
*''Λp'' is the absolute difference between pre- and posttest probability of conditions (such as diseases) that the test is expected to achieve.
*''r<sub>i</sub>'' is the rate of how much ''probability differences'' are expected to result in ''changes in interventions'' (such as a change from "no treatment" to "administration of low-dose medical treatment").
*''b<sub>i</sub>'' is the benefit of ''changes in interventions'' for the individual
*''h<sub>i</sub>'' is the harm of ''changes in interventions'' for the individual, such as [[side effects]] of medical treatment
*''h<sub>t</sub>'' is the harm caused by the test itself
In this formula, what constitutes benefit or harm largely varies by [[Value (personal and cultural)|personal and cultural values]], but general conclusions can still be drawn. For example, if the only expected effect of a medical test is to make one disease more likely than another, but the two diseases have the same treatment (or neither can be treated), then ''r<sub>i</sub>'' = 0 and the test is essentially without any benefit for the individual.
Additional factors that influence a decision whether a medical test should be performed or not include: cost of the test, availability of additional tests, potential interference with subsequent test (such as an [[abdominal palpation]] potentially inducing intestinal activity whose sounds interfere with a subsequent [[abdominal auscultation]]), time taken for the test or other practical or administrative aspects. Also, even if not beneficial for the individual being tested, the results may be useful for the establishment of statistics in order to improve health care for other individuals.
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