Three optimal cut-point selection criteria based on sensitivity and specificity with user-defined weights

Methods: Based on the index S (S = SENSITIVITY (SEN) × SPECIFICITY (SPE)), the new weighted product index Sw is defined as Sw = (SEN)2w × (SPE)2(1-w), where (0≤w≤1). The Sw is developed to be a new tool to select the optimal cut point in ROC analysis and be compared with the other two commonly used criteria. Results: Comparing the optimal cut point for the three criteria, the wave range of the optimal cut point for the maximized weighted Youden index criterion is the widest, the weighted closest-to-(0,1) criterion is the narrowest and the weighted product index Sw criterion lays between the ranges of the two criteria.