[Diagnostic studies].
Despite the large availability of diagnostic tests and procedures and their importance to medicine, evidence for their appropriate use is often limited. Unfortunately, the evaluation of tests is difficult and susceptible to several forms of bias. This paper describes the standard methods for characterizing and comparing the accuracy of diagnostic tests and addresses initiatives such as STARD and QUADAS to improve the quality of diagnostic studies. We inform the reader how to critically appraise the study results and when to rely on the results of diagnostic accuracy studies or randomised clinical trials.
Felder-Puig
Rosemarie
R
Ludwig Boltzmann Institut für Health Technology Assessment, Wien, Austria. rosemarie.felder@hta.lbg.ac.at
Mad
Philipp
P
Gartlehner
Gerald
G
D000465:Algorithms; D001317:Austria; D019937:Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures / Q000592:standards*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000592:standards; D012372:ROC Curve; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000592:standards; D012016:Reference Values