Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2005;26(4):294-296

The use of Meta-analysis in the evaluation on diagnostic tests.

Yun-xia LIU 1 ; Jie-zhen WANG ; Chun-kun PANG ; Jian-ping LIU

Affiliations

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Country

China

Language

Chinese

Abstract

OBJECTIVETo introduce Meta-analysis in evaluating diagnostic tests.

METHODAdjusted SROC method was used in assessing 7 diagnostic tests on fatty liver.

RESULTSThe pooled sensitivity and specificity of type B ultrasonography were 0.89 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.87-0.92] and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.92-0.96) respectively while the Q value was 0.90 by adjusted SROC method. The results indicated that the diagnostic value of type B ultrasonography were high, thus could be regarded as an effective method for fatty liver diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONMeta-analysis on evaluating diagnostic tests could be used to assess the diagnostic test to increase the power of conclusion, and to improves its reliability.