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International reporting guidelines for tear fluid research: A Delphi consensus.
Jente Schmeetz1, Nienke van de Sande1, William Rojas-Carabali2
1University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Mental Health and Neuroscience Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
Summary
New guidelines standardize tear fluid research reporting to improve biomarker discovery and clinical applications. These international consensus-based recommendations enhance transparency and reproducibility in tear fluid studies.
Area of Science:
- Biomarker discovery and analysis
- Ophthalmology and vision science
- Proteomics and metabolomics
Background:
- Tear fluid is a valuable, minimally invasive source for diagnostic biomarkers.
- Lack of standardized reporting in tear fluid research hinders reproducibility.
- Need for international consensus on reporting guidelines.
Purpose of the Study:
- Establish international consensus-based reporting guidelines for tear fluid research.
- Improve standardization, transparency, and reproducibility in the field.
- Facilitate biomarker discovery and clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Delphi methodology with 74 international professionals.
- Evaluated 35 proposed reporting statements covering key research aspects.
- Achieved consensus based on a 5-point Likert scale and ≥70% agreement.
Main Results:
- Consensus reached on 34 of 35 statements in the first round.
- 26 statements achieved strong consensus (≥90% agreement).
- Developed detailed recommendations for standardized tear fluid study reporting.
Conclusions:
- The TEAR-reporting guidelines (TEAR-RG) standardize tear fluid research practices.
- Guidelines enhance reproducibility and transparency in this evolving field.
- Standardized frameworks are crucial for advancing tear fluid biomarker research.
