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paired study design for diagnostic tests

— A study design where two screening or diagnostic tests are compared and all patients receive both an index test and a reference standard test

Synonyms:

diagnostic paired design

Full explanation:

A paired study design for diagnostic tests makes it possible to directly compare the diagnostic accuracy of the tests within each patient.

In a fully paired direct comparison, all study participants receive all tests, as well as the reference standard.

If the design is not fully paired, participants receive only a subset of the tests. Within the set of not fully paired designs, randomized direct comparisons offer the best opportunity to avoid selection bias.

See also:

index test  ·  reference standard test

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