Systematic review of diagnostic studies

Meta-analysis is subset of systematic reviews

Key elements in a systematic review or meta-analysis

1. A focused clinical question

2. An exhaustive search for studies

3. Clear inclusion/exclusion criteria: Inclusion/exclusion by setting, population, and/or symptoms

4. Evaluation of study quality: QUADAS-2 is most often recommended; check with your target journal or journals to see their preference

5. Careful abstraction of data

6. Evaluation for homogeneity

7. Meta-analysis if possible

Meta-analytic methods for diagnostic test accuracy

Faecal calprotectin for screening of patients with suspected inflammatory bowel disease: diagnostic meta-analysis