Table 3

Accuracy of non-invasive and invasive diagnostic techniques for ventilator associated pneumonia

Diagnostic techniqueSensitivity
% (n)
Specificity
% (n)
Positive predictive value % (n)Negative predictive value % (n)
TBA69 (9/13)92  (11/12)90  (9/10)73  (11/15)
Protected BAL39 (5/13)100 (12/12)100 (5/5)60 (12/20)
BAL77 (10/13)58 (7/12)67 (10/15)70 (7/10)
PSB62 (8/13)75 (9/12)73 (8/11)64 (9/14)
Any invasive diagnostic technique85 (11/13)50 (6/12)65 (11/17)75 (6/8)
Any non-invasive or invasive
diagnostic technique
85 (11/13)50 (6/12)65 (11/17)75 (6/8)
  • TBA = tracheobronchial aspirates; BAL = bronchoalveolar lavage; PSB = protected specimen brush.

  • For definition of terms see footnote to table 2.