False positive

A false positive occurs when a test or assessment incorrectly indicates the presence of a condition or attribute when it is not actually present. For example, if a medical test suggests someone has a disease when they are healthy, that's a false positive. This can lead to unnecessary worry, further testing, or treatment. False positives are a common issue in many fields, including healthcare, security screenings, and scientific research, and they underscore the importance of accurate testing and results to avoid misinterpretation or action based on incorrect information.