This flowchart illustrates a generic analytic framework for evaluating predictive genetic tests that can be modified as necessary for various situations. An asymptomatic person or a person with a diagnosis/disease is the first element; next is the genetic test; and from there treatment decisions with attendant benefits and harms (intermediate or process outcomes), and finally benefits and harms (health outcomes). Pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic factors can be inserted into the analysis at appropriate points in the study. Pre-analytic factors focus on the person tested, analytic factors on the genetic test itself, and post-analytic factors focus on the predicted outcomes. A timeline is depicted across the top of the chart.

Figure 11-1Generic analytic framework for evaluating predictive genetic tests

From: Chapter 11, Challenges in and Principles for Conducting Systematic Reviews of Genetic Tests Used as Predictive Indicators

Cover of Methods Guide for Medical Test Reviews
Methods Guide for Medical Test Reviews [Internet].
Chang SM, Matchar DB, Smetana GW, et al., editors.
Copyright Notice

NCBI Bookshelf. A service of the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.