Published October 2003

Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves

ROC curves plot the sensitivity of a test versus its false positive rate for various points (definitely present, probably present to definitely absent) and is especially applicable when test results are interpreted subjectively. ROC analysis has wide applicability in radiology research for comparing observers, modalities, and tests. The simple program below uses only 3 points (5 is more common) but still demonstrates the principles of the area under the curve and is a quick way of performing a preliminary analysis or quality assurance study.
Software Sources

ROC software from the University of Chicago

Online ROC analysis from Johns Hopkins (John Eng MD)

References

Metz CE. Basic principles of ROC analysis. Semin Nucl Med 1978; 8:283-298.
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Metz CE. Some practical issues of experimental design and data analysis in radiological ROC studies. Invest Radiol 1989; 24:234-245.
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Obuchowski NA. Receiver operating characteristic curves and their use in radiology. Radiology 2003; 229:3-8.
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Hanley JA, McNeil BJ. The meaning and use of the area under a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Radiology 1982; 143:29-36.
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