2.4 Statistical analysis
All data analysis was performed using
OpenMeta[Analyst]19 and comprehensive
meta-analysis software version 3.0.20 First, a
single-arm meta‐analysis for laboratory tests was performed. The mean or
untransformed proportion and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to
estimate pooled results from studies. A continuous random-effects model
was applied using the DerSimonian-Laird (inverse variance)
method.21; 22 Heterogeneity was evaluated using
Cochran’s Q statistic and quantified by using I2statistics, which represents an estimation of the total variation across
studies beyond chance. Articles were considered to have significant
heterogeneity between studies when the p-value less than 0.1 or
I2 > 50%. Finally, publication bias was
assessed using a funnel plot and quantified using Begg’s and Mazumdar
rank correlation with continuity correction and Egger’s linear
regression tests. Asymmetry of the collected studies’ distribution by
visual inspection or P-value < 0.1 indicated obvious
publication bias.23