[The use of Meta-analysis in the evaluation on diagnostic tests].
OBJECTIVE
To introduce Meta-analysis in evaluating diagnostic tests.


METHODS
Adjusted SROC method was used in assessing 7 diagnostic tests on fatty liver.


RESULTS
The pooled sensitivity and specificity of type B ultrasonography were 0.89 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.87-0.92] and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.92-0.96) respectively while the Q value was 0.90 by adjusted SROC method. The results indicated that the diagnostic value of type B ultrasonography were high, thus could be regarded as an effective method for fatty liver diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Meta-analysis on evaluating diagnostic tests could be used to assess the diagnostic test to increase the power of conclusion, and to improves its reliability.
Liu
Yun-xia
YX
Institute of Evidence Based Medicine, The Second Hospital, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250033, China.
Wang
Jie-zhen
JZ
Pang
Chun-kun
CK
Liu
Jian-ping
JP
D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine / Q000592:standards*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005234:Fatty Liver / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography