Testing decisions in the Pandemic: How do we use imperfect tests for COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) to make clinical decisions

Abstract

This is the second article of a series on how to use diagnostic test accuracy evidence. In this article, we explain how diagnostic test accuracy estimates may be applied in clinical practice, using the example of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Using clinical scenarios, we guide the reader through the process of applying estimates of diagnostic accuracy to change the pre-test probability of disease, and make clinical decisions about their patient.