title: Observed differences in diagnostic test accuracy between patient subgroups: is it real or due to reference standard misclassification?
abstract: Before a new test is introduced in clinical practice, its accuracy should be assessed. In the past decade, researchers have put an increased emphasis on exploring differences in test sensitivity and specificity between patient subgroups. If the reference standard is imperfect and the prevalence of the target condition differs among subgroups, apparent differences in test sensitivity and specificity between subgroups may be caused by reference standard misclassification. We provide guidance on how to determine whether observed differences may be explained by reference standard misclassification. Such misclassification may be ascertained by examining how the apparent sensitivity and specificity change with the prevalence of the target condition in the subgroups.
authors: Screening and Test Evaluation Program, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors: Corné
authors: C
authors: Biesheuvel
authors: Les
authors: L
authors: Irwig
authors: Patrick
authors: P
authors: Bossuyt
mesh_terms: D016477:Artifacts; D002965:Classification; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D012015:Reference Standards; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity