Latent class bivariate model for the meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Several types of statistical methods are currently available for the meta-analysis of studies on diagnostic test accuracy. One of these methods is the Bivariate Model which involves a simultaneous analysis of the sensitivity and specificity from a set of studies. In this paper, we review the characteristics of the Bivariate Model and demonstrate how it can be extended with a discrete latent variable. The resulting clustering of studies yields additional insight into the accuracy of the test of interest.

Methods

A Latent Class Bivariate Model is proposed. This model captures the between-study variability in sensitivity and specificity by assuming that studies belong to one of a small number of latent classes. This yields both an easier to interpret and a more preci

SUBMITTER: Eusebi P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4105799 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature