Diagnostic tests systematic reviews

Rostom A, Dube C, Cranney A, Saloojee N, Sy R, Garritty C, et al. The diagnostic accuracy of serologic tests for celiac disease A systematic review. Gastroenterol 2005 128(4 Suppl 1) S38-S46. 

Among the steps in conducting a systematic review of a diagnostic test (Box 13-1), the most important is the identification of the chnical question for which the test result is required to give an answer, and thus formulation of the question that forms the basis of the review. Two types of questions can be addressed in a systematic review in diagnostic medicine one type is related to the diagnostic accuracy of a test, and the other to the clinical value (to patients or to others) of using the test. The questions that arise are similar in structure but require different approaches. 

Until recently, methodologists interested in systematic reviews have focused on studies of the effects of interventions, especially drugs, on patient outcomes. That work is generally applicable to systematic reviews of diagnostic tests that start with a question of the second type above. The opportunities to use the techniques, however, are limited as it is unusual to find more than one study on any combination of a test and an outcome. We therefore focus on systematic reviews of the diagnostic accuracy of tests and express the hope that the quality of primary studies will continue to improve so that many such systematic reviews will become feasible. 

Deeks JJ. Systematic reviews in health care Systematic reviews of evaluations of diagnostic and screening tests. BMJ 2001 323 157-62. 

Irwig L, Glasziou P. Cochrane Methods Group on Systematic Review of Screening and Diagnostic Tests recommended methods. Updated 6 June 1996. http //www.cochrane.org/cochrane/sadtdocl.htm (Accessed on March 15, 2003)... 

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