title: QUADAS-2: a revised tool for the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies.
abstract: In 2003, the QUADAS tool for systematic reviews of diagnostic accuracy studies was developed. Experience, anecdotal reports, and feedback suggested areas for improvement; therefore, QUADAS-2 was developed. This tool comprises 4 domains: patient selection, index test, reference standard, and flow and timing. Each domain is assessed in terms of risk of bias, and the first 3 domains are also assessed in terms of concerns regarding applicability. Signalling questions are included to help judge risk of bias. The QUADAS-2 tool is applied in 4 phases: summarize the review question, tailor the tool and produce review-specific guidance, construct a flow diagram for the primary study, and judge bias and applicability. This tool will allow for more transparent rating of bias and applicability of primary diagnostic accuracy studies.
authors: University of Bristol, United Kingdom. penny.whiting@bristol.ac.uk
authors: Penny F
authors: PF
authors: Whiting
authors: Anne W S
authors: AW
authors: Rutjes
authors: Marie E
authors: ME
authors: Westwood
authors: Susan
authors: S
authors: Mallett
authors: Jonathan J
authors: JJ
authors: Deeks
authors: Johannes B
authors: JB
authors: Reitsma
authors: Mariska M G
authors: MM
authors: Leeflang
authors: Jonathan A C
authors: JA
authors: Sterne
authors: Patrick M M
authors: PM
authors: Bossuyt
mesh_terms: D015982:Bias; D003933:Diagnosis; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D011786:Quality Control; D012015:Reference Standards; D012196:Review Literature as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors