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