Critical Appraisal: Appraising a Diagnostic Test: D-Dimer

Author: Adrian Boyle / Editor: Tajek B Hassan / Reviewer: Michael Stewart / Codes: / Published: 23/08/2018

By the end of this session you will be able to:

  • Define the terms pre-test and post-test probability
  • Define the terms sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values
  • Explain the biases that occur in diagnostic studies
  • Define internal and external validity

References

  1. Wells PS, Anderson DR, Rodger M et al. Evaluation of d-dimer in the diagnosis of suspected deep-vein thrombosis. N Engl J Med 2003;349:1227-1235.
  2. Greenhalgh T. How to read a paper: papers that report diagnostic or screening tests. BMJ 1997;315:540-543.

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