Sample size for demonstration of freedom (detection of disease) using pooled testing

Input Values

This utility calcuates the number of pools required to be tested to provide a desired probability of detecting disease (cluster-sensitivity) at the specified design prevalence, for a large (infinite) population, using pooled testing and assuming a fixed pool size and a test of known sensitivity and 100% specificity. These analyses are an adaptation of the method from Christensen and Gardner (2000). (Prev Vet Med, 45:83-106), assuming known test sensitivity, perfect test specificity and 1 or more pools positive to declare a population infected (i.e. to be recognised as free there must be zero positive pools).

Inputs are the pool size used, pool-level test sensitivity, desired cluster-sensitivity and design (target) prevalence (as a proportion). Test sensitivity is measured at the pool level (i.e. the probability that a pool will test positively if it represents one or more infected units).

Outputs are:

• the number of pools of the specified size that must be tested to achieve the desired cluster-sensitivity for the given design prevalence;
• a table and graph of various pool sizes and corresponding numbers of pools that must be tested to provide the desired cluster-sensitivity for a range of design prevalence values, assuming the same test sensitivity applies to all pool sizes.