Table 6.

Additional suggested Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy (STARD) checklist points for DBS evaluation

Concerns when using DBS	STARD checklist adjustments for DBS evaluations
Inconsistency in terminology	Make use of clear terminology (i.e., DBS, dried serum spots, dried urine spots, etc. or dried “sample type” spots).
Unclear or not reporting filter paper sample collection method	Sample collection: state the filter paper brand and weight used, which and how fluids were obtained and spotted onto filter paper, and the drying period before storage.
Unclear reporting of reference method and sample	Report the index sample and its collection, storage, and transportation details; provide detailed rationale for discordances in methods between index and reference test.
Unclear or not reporting storage and time between collecting and analyzing samples	Sample processing: state the time and storage conditions (humidity control and temperature) in the field, during transportation, and in the laboratory, preferably in a tabled manner.
Unclear or not reporting punch method and punch disinfection procedure	Report punching method with reference to source or manufacturer and punch disinfection procedure if used.
Unclear or not reporting how quantitative data was obtained from filter paper samples	For quantitative or numerical test results, indicate the calculation methods and rationale of the index and reference standard.
Unclear or not reporting the biological variability of samples and mean difference between index and reference sample	For quantitative test outcomes, report the mean and range of results for index and reference test.
Unclear or not reporting of diagnostic accuracy of quantitative test outcomes.	For quantitative test outcomes, estimates of diagnostic accuracy and measures of statistical uncertainty (e.g., 95% confidence intervals) by quantitative grouped ranges (e.g., 1,000–5,000 copies/mL).