The Biological Variation Data Critical Appraisal Checklist: A Standard for Evaluating Studies on Biological Variation

Creative Commons License

Aarsand A. K., Roraas T., Fernandez-Calle P., Ricos C., Diaz-Garzon J., Jonker N., ...More

CLINICAL CHEMISTRY, vol.64, no.3, pp.501-514, 2018 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 64 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2018
  • Doi Number: 10.1373/clinchem.2017.281808
  • Journal Name: CLINICAL CHEMISTRY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.501-514
  • Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Concern has been raised about the quality of available biological variation (BV) estimates and the effect of their application in clinical practice. A European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine Task and Finish Group has addressed this issue. The aim of this report is to (a) describe the Biological Variation Data Critical Appraisal Checklist (BIVAC), which verifies whether publications have included all essential elements that may impact the veracity of associated BV estimates, (b) use the BIVAC to critically appraise existing BV publications on enzymes, lipids, kidney, and diabetes-related measurands, and (c) apply metaanalysis to deliver a global within-subject BV (CVI) estimate for alanine aminotransferase (ALT).