Extracting data from diagnostic test accuracy studies for meta-analysis

Abstract

It is important that DTA reviews summarise all the available evidence. Studies in which the necessary information is not fully reported should not necessarily be excluded from pooled analyses. As reported in this article, equations exist to derive values for the variables required for meta-analysis from other reported measures. These equations may also be used to check the consistency of reported DTA measures. Inconsistencies may arise if all the participants do not complete the study.