Submitted by kkg4003 on August 15, 2023 - 4:41pm
Definition:
- Anticipated: Results that are outside the original purpose for which a test or procedure was conducted, but that are known to be associated with the test or procedure: Study is designed to discover A, but learns B, a result known to be associated with the test or procedure in use. B is an anticipated incidental finding.
- Example: Researchers use the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) assess for depression and learn a participant is having suicidal thoughts.
- Unanticipated: Results that are outside the original purpose for which a test or procedure was conducted and that could not have been anticipated given the current state of scientific knowledge: Study is designed to discover A, but learns C, a unexpected result. C is an unanticipated incidental finding.
- Example: Genetic testing identifies a health risk based on a newly discovered genetic association (not known at the time the study was designed).