Risk of bias and applicability

19

Present evaluation of risk of bias and concerns regarding applicability for each study.

5-7, Figure 1, Figure 2

Results of individual studies

20

For each analysis in each study (e.g. unique combination of index test, reference standard, and positivity threshold) report 2 × 2 data (TP, FP, FN, TN) with estimates of diagnostic accuracy and confidence intervals, ideally with a forest or receiver operator characteristic (ROC) plot.

10-12, Figures 4-6, Table S1

Synthesis of results

21

Describe test accuracy, including variability; if meta-analysis was done, include results and confidence intervals.

9-12, Table 3,

Additional analysis

23

Give results of additional analyses, if done (e.g., sensitivity or subgroup analyses, meta-regression; analysis of index test: failure rates, proportion of inconclusive results, adverse events).

11-13, Figure 7

DISCUSSION

Summary of evidence

24

Summarize the main findings including the strength of evidence.

13-14

Limitations

25

Discuss limitations from included studies (e.g. risk of bias and concerns regarding applicability) and from the review process (e.g. incomplete retrieval of identified research).

15-16

Conclusions

26

Provide a general interpretation of the results in the context of other evidence. Discuss implications for future research and clinical practice (e.g. the intended use and clinical role of the index test).

15

FUNDING

Funding

27

For the systematic review, describe the sources of funding and other support and the role of the funders.

16