Data synthesis, analysis, and reporting
Diagnostic accuracy metrics (sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV) for each study were summarized in a table by individual allergen component. We planned to perform a meta-analysis of the evidence for each allergen component using a fitted bivariate model when common thresholds were used in the included studies and a hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) model when multiple thresholds were used in the included studies. However, we were unable to perform a meta-analysis due to heterogeneity in study design, testing methods, and thresholds. Grouping studies according to a topic, design, quality, and outcome, we narratively synthesized the evidence.
3 | RESULTS