Diagnostic studies

Diagnosis and risk stratification defines what we do in EM the most which leads to diagnostic studies being of huge interest. In an ideal world a test would always identify the disease when it is present and always rule it out when the person is disease free.

However, things aren’t as simple as that. In this section we take a look at diagnostic studies and the particular issues we need to consider and be aware of.

This podcast covers

• The gold standard/reference standard
• The population tested
• Inter-observer reliability
• Cost of the diagnostic test

Once you’ve listened help consolidate the topics covered with the questions below.