Questions about Applying the Results of Studies of Diagnostic Tests
I. Are the results in the study valid?
Was there an independent, blind comparison with a reference standard?
Did the patient sample include an appropriate spectrum of patients to whom the diagnostic test will be applied in clinical practice?
Secondary Guides
Did the results of the test being evaluated influence the decision to perform the reference standard?
Were the methods for performing the test described in sufficient detail to permit replication?
II. What are the results?
Are likelihood ratios for the test results presented or data necessary for their calculation provided?
III. Will the results help me in caring for my patients?
Will the reproducibility of the test result and its interpretation be satisfactory in my setting?
Are the results applicable to my patient?
Will the results change my management?
Will patients be better off as a result of the test?