Probability of Hypokalemia w/ 1 or Multiple Measurements

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the probability of hypokalemia, defined as potassium levels below 3.5 mmol/L, using statistical methods. For a single measurement, the probability of hypokalemia is approximately 0.0668, derived from a normal distribution with a mean of 3.8 mmol/L and a standard deviation of 0.2 mmol/L. When considering four separate measurements, the probability of being diagnosed as hypokalemic is calculated to be around 0.0013, indicating a significant decrease in the likelihood of a hypokalemia diagnosis with multiple measurements. The participants discuss the implications of multiple measurements and the criteria for diagnosis based on those results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of normal distribution and Z-scores
  • Familiarity with statistical probability calculations
  • Knowledge of hypokalemia and its clinical significance
  • Experience with Gauss tables for probability lookup
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Central Limit Theorem and its application in clinical measurements
  • Learn about the implications of multiple sampling in medical diagnostics
  • Explore advanced statistical methods for calculating probabilities in clinical settings
  • Investigate the use of software tools like R or Python for statistical analysis
USEFUL FOR

Medical statisticians, healthcare professionals involved in diagnostics, and students studying biostatistics or epidemiology will benefit from this discussion.

SakuRERE
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Misplaced Homework Thread moved from the technical forums
TL;DR Summary: Finding the probability with one measurement and multiple measurements on separate days.

Question: Hypokalemia is diagnosed when blood potassium levels are low, below 3.5 mmol/L. Let’s assume we know a patient whose measured potassium levels vary daily according to N(µ = 3.8 mmol/L, σ = 0.2 mmol/L).
(a) If a single potassium measurement is made, what is the probability that the patient is diagnosed as hypokalemic?
(b) If measurements are made instead on 4 separate days, what is the probability that the patient is diagnosed with hypokalemia?

For part A -->

I solved the question as a standardized normal distribution. I tried to find P(x<=3.5),
using the standard normal formula z= X-Mean/SD I converted the X value 3.5 to a Z score and got P(x<=-1.5)
after that, I used the Gauss table to find the probability and it was P(x<=-1.5)= 0.0668
this answer was similar to the answer key provided by our professor.

However, for the second part, the answer key has to be 0.0013 but I can't think of a way to figure it out. And I don't understand how taking different measurements on separate days will influence my probability.
I will appreciate your help, thank you!

I attached the positive and negative Gauss tables for easier accessibility.
 

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What does it even mean to be diagnosed after 4 samples? Do you have to get at least one positive? All positive?

The odds of getting more positives than negatives are
##4(.0668)^3(1-.0668)+.0668^4\approx 0.00113## which is not that far from what the answer key says...
 
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Or an average of the four below 3.5?
Some more information is needed in the problem statement.
 
Office_Shredder said:
What does it even mean to be diagnosed after 4 samples? Do you have to get at least one positive? All positive?

The odds of getting more positives than negatives are
##4(.0668)^3(1-.0668)+.0668^4\approx 0.00113## which is not that far from what the answer key says...
Thanks for replying
But I didn’t get what’s that formula you used

Thanks again
 
SakuRERE said:
Thanks for replying
But I didn’t get what’s that formula you used

Thanks again
I added the odds of getting three positives and of getting four positives.

I have no reason to think that's what they want you to do other than the similarity of the answer.
 

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