ROC Curves Explained: Understanding Diagnostic Cutoffs

This Is Why with Dr. Busti · Jun 30, 2026 · 1m

ROC curves and the AUC (or c-statistic) are some of the most important — and most misunderstood — concepts in diagnostic testing and evidence-based medicine (EBM). In this episode of This Is Why with Dr. Busti, Dr. Busti explains how ROC curves help clinicians determine diagnostic test cutoffs, balance sensitivity and specificity, and improve diagnostic accuracy in real clinical practice.

This Is Why understanding ROC curves matters for clinicians interpreting laboratory tests, screening tools, and diagnostic assays. Dr. Busti breaks down area under the curve (AUC), false positives, false…