[Use of diagnostic tests in the context of evidence-based medicine]

The advances of medicine over the last twenty years include the use of new tests and diagnostic methods in clinical practice. At the same time, we have witnessed the introduction of a strong movement, named Evidence Based Medicine, which basically includes a serious attempt for rationalizing the findings of more than 50 years of biomedical research, and to apply them properly to our patients as well as to the whole population.

Review of the published literature. All the recommendations are used in a practical example.

Summary of the current existing recommendations for the assessment of a new diagnostic tool before its clinical application, and discussion of possible solutions for achieving a more efficient use of these tests.

There are enough evidences for defining criteria for a uniform evaluation process of new diagnostic tests. The criteria could be useful for the clinical application of these tests.