Recommended software/packages for meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy

Abstract

When performing a meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy, authors usually need to use a statistical package. Many different packages are available but not all of them are well developed. In this review, we first make an inventory of most popular packages providing meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy, and then evaluate them by their accessibility, usability, and functions and methodology, and give an overall assessment for each package. This methodological review will enable review authors to understand what the packages can do for them and to choose the correct methods.