When any new diagnostic test is developed which claims to improve existing method of screening or diagnosis, it is important to critically evaluate it considering certain parameters. Here are some factors all doctors should consider before making any decision about accepting or rejecting new diagnostic tests. What is the reliability of the test? It is important to consider accuracy and precision of a test. Also, consider what level of expertise is needed to conduct the test.
A test may be accurate when done by an expert person but may be inaccurate and unreliable when performed by a less experienced practitioner. Has the test been evaluated on an appropriate population? Examine the set of the population from which the test data is generated – for example, what was the sample size, was the population diverse enough. If the sample size is too large, there may be statistical significance…
