[The use of Meta-analysis in the evaluation on diagnostic tests].

Objective: To introduce Meta-analysis in evaluating diagnostic tests.

Method: Adjusted SROC method was used in assessing 7 diagnostic tests on fatty liver.

Results: The pooled sensitivity and specificity of type B ultrasonography were 0.89 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.87-0.92] and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.92-0.96) respectively while the Q value was 0.90 by adjusted SROC method. The results indicated that the diagnostic value of type B ultrasonography were high, thus could be regarded as an effective method for fatty liver diagnosis.

Conclusion: Meta-analysis on evaluating diagnostic tests could be used to assess the diagnostic test to increase the power of conclusion, and to improves its reliability.