Tests to assist in the diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma in adults: A generic protocol

This is the protocol for a review and there is no abstract. The objectives are as follows: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of diagnostic tests for the detection of cutaneous invasive melanoma in adults. Accuracy will be estimated separately according to the prior testing undergone by study participants, i.e., primary presentation and referred populations. To estimate and compare the accuracy of diagnostic tests for the detection of any skin cancer or skin lesion with a high risk of progression to melanoma. Investigation of sources of heterogeneity: We will consider a range of potential sources of heterogeneity for investigation in each individual test review. These may vary between reviews but may include the following. i. Population characteristics: general versus higher risk populations ethnicity ii. Index test characteristics: type of test or algorithm used for test interpretation within each 'group' of tests testing by specialist versus generalist practitioner the level of training in dermoscopy use (dermoscopy review only) diagnosis in person versus image-based diagnosis the nature of and definition of criteria for test positivity approaches to lesion preparation (e.g., the use of oil or antiseptic gel for dermoscopy) iii. Reference standard characteristics: reference standard used whether histology-reporting meets pathology-reporting guidelines use of excisional versus diagnostic biopsy whether two independent dermatopathologists reviewed histological diagnosis iv. Study quality: consecutive or random sample of participants recruited index test interpreted blinded to the reference standard result index test interpreted blinded to the result of any other index test presence of partial or differential verification bias (whereby only a sample of those subject to the index test are verified by the reference test or by the same reference test with selection dependent on the index test result) use of an adequate reference standard overall risk of bias We will examine the quality and quantity of research evidence available on the effectiveness of each index test and make recommendations regarding where further research might be required.