Table 3 Meta-regression analysis of the TCT group.

From: Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) versus tissue culture technique (TCT) in diagnosis of spinal infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Variables

Subgroup

Study

Sensitivity(95%CI)

p

Specificity(95%CI)

p

Sampling method

Percutaneous biopsy alone

3

0.44 (0.30–0.58)

0.03*

0.96 (0.88–1.00)

0.29

Surgery or percutaneous biopsy

7

0.30 (0.22–0.39)

0.91 (0.81–1.00)

Sample size

n<50

5

0.29 (0.18–0.41)

0.66

0.98 (0.92–1.00)

0.03*

n ≥ 50

5

0.39 (0.29–0.49)

0.89 (0.77–1.00)

Reference standards

histopathology

8

0.33 (0.24–0.42)

0.15

0.97 (0.93–1.00)

0.01*

IDSA

2

0.41 (0.25–0.58)

0.74 (0.51–0.97)

  1. *Statistically significant if p-value < 0.05; IDSA, Infectious Diseases Society of America; CI, confidence interva.
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