Guidance for Studies Evaluating the Accuracy of Sputum-Based Tests to Diagnose Tuberculosis.

ABSTRACT: Tests that can replace sputum smear microscopy have been identified as a top priority diagnostic need for tuberculosis by the World Health Organization. High-quality evidence on diagnostic accuracy for tests that may meet this need is an essential requirement to inform decisions about policy and scale-up. However, test accuracy studies are often of low and inconsistent quality and poorly reported, leading to uncertainty about true test performance. Here we provide guidance for the design of diagnostic test accuracy studies of sputum smear-replacement tests. Such studies should have a cross-sectional or cohort design, enrolling either a consecutive series or a random sample of patients who require evaluation for tuberculosis. Adults with respiratory symptoms are the target population. The r

SUBMITTER: Schumacher SG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6782025 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature