Searching for and selecting studies

Conducting an effective search for studies to determine the diagnostic accuracy of tests is a crucial and challenging task in preparing a systematic review of test accuracy. Search strategies for test accuracy studies can be particularly complex and knowledge of a range of resources may be needed. This chapter provides an overview of approaches for searching for test accuracy studies. It starts with the general principles for searching for studies and sources to search, followed by considerations for designing search strategies and documenting and reporting the search process. The chapter then details the process of selecting relevant studies and a summary of future developments. The aim of the literature search is to generate as extensive a list as possible of studies that may be suitable for answering the review question, within available resource constraints.