Diagnostic test validation science (Scientific and Technical Review, Vol. 40, Issue 1, 2021)

Diagnostic test validation science is a key element in the effective detection and control of infectious animal diseases. The quality of diagnostic test validation studies for infectious diseases of animals has continued to improve owing to international educational efforts, the use of design and reporting standards to guide researchers and test developers, and the acceptance of the use of latent class models for statistical analysis of test validation data, when the true infection status of animals that are sampled in a validation study is unknown. The primary goal of this issue of the Scientific and Technical Review is to provide an up-to-date compilation of the relevant standards (OIE and non-OIE) and guidance documents for all stages of diagnostic test validation and proficiency testing, including design, analysis as well as clear, complete and transparent reporting of validation studies in the peer-reviewed literature. Examples and case studies are used to help to guide readers in practical aspects of the validation process.