DIAGNOSTIC TESTS -Evaluation Checklist

CITATION:____________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

  • Was there an independent "blind" comparison with a gold standard of diagnosis?
    [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Can't Tell

    Comments:

  • Did the patient sample include an appropriate spectrum of disease plus individuals with different but commonly confused disorders?
    [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Can't Tell

    Comments:

  • Was the setting for the study as well as the filter through which study patients passed adequately described?
    [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Can't Tell

    Comments:

    -- Study site and patient selection filters described?

    -- Patients with and without target disorder similar in factors affecting the test?

  • Was the reproducibility of the test result (precision) and its interpretation (observer variation) determined?
    [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Can't Tell

    Comments:

    Kappa, intraclass correlation coefficient?

  • Was the term "normal" sensibly defined?
    [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Can't Tell

    Comments:

    Gaussian, percentile, risk factor, diagnostic therapeutic, culturally desirable?

  • If the test is advocated as part of a cluster or sequence of tests, was its contribution to the overall validity of the cluster or sequence determined?
    [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Can't Tell

    Comments:

    Test evaluated in the context of its clinical use?

  • Were the tactics for carrying out the test described well enough to permit their exact replication?
    [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Can't Tell

    Comments:

    Eg. special requirements to prepare for test, precautions after the test, transportation or storage of samples.

  • Was the utility of the test determined?
    [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Can't Tell

    Comments:

    Were the patients really better off for it?

    Provided by Alan Adams, D.C.
    Chairman of the Research Division
    Los Angeles College of Chiropractic