Research in Practice 04 - Reading sensitivity and specificity together
This authentic HSROC plot from a previously completed review combines nine study estimates in one joint model.
Open circles show individual studies; the black point is the summary estimate. Pooled sensitivity is 0.94 (95% CI 0.91-0.97) and pooled specificity is 0.70 (95% CI 0.49-0.85).
The confidence region describes uncertainty around the average summary point. The wider prediction region reflects greater variation expected across settings with different thresholds, populations and methods.
The summary point is an average, not a performance guarantee. It must be read with the forest plot, heterogeneity, risk of bias and the limited evidence volume of nine studies.
August 10, 2026 5
