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

<b>Methods</b>: Based on the index <i>S</i> (<i>S</i> = <i>SENSITIVITY (SEN)</i> × <i>SPECIFICITY (SPE)</i>), the new weighted product index <i>S_w</i> is defined as <i>S_w</i> = (<i>SEN</i>)²<i>^w</i> × (<i>SPE</i>)^2(1-<i>^w)</i>, where (0≤<i>w</i>≤1). The <i>S_w</i> 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. <b>Results</b>: 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 <i>S_w</i> criterion lays between the ranges of the two criteria.