Diagnostic Testing

About this activity

This session looks at the critical appraisal of diagnostic studies and how to inform decision making with regards to the salient features of diagnostic test results. This session was reviewed by Suchita Shah and last updated in February 2015. Objectives By the end of this session you will be able to: • Formulate the question you want to research from a patient consultation • Conduct a search for related studies • Appraise a diagnostic study in terms of its applicability and methodology • Use sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios to interpret the results • Assess how this information will help you in future consultations by using clinical test papers in practice