[Diagnostic tests: basic concepts for their correct interpretation and use].
The present article aims to disseminate knowledge of a topic that is important in clinical epidemiology: evaluation of diagnostic tests. Mathematical formulae are kept to a minimum. The significance and interpretation of the most important diagnostic indexes characterizing these tests are explained in order to describe their use in daily clinical practice, especially their role in the design of diagnostic protocols. Features related to evidence-based medicine, which represent the next step after mastery of these concepts, are not analyzed.
Escrig-Sos
Javier
J
Servicio de Cirugía General y Digestiva, Hospital General de Castellón, Castellón de la Plana, España. escrig_vicsos@gva.es
Martínez-Ramos
David
D
Miralles-Tena
Juan Manuel
JM
D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008433:Mathematics