Galactomannan review a list of detailed definitions was provided within the methods section; in the MRI versus CT review only brief explanations of some of the criteria were given in the text, without visually separating them from the rest of the paragraph; and in the Physical examination review the list of criteria was given in an appendix. Most successful in 'attracting' participants' attention was the list of criteria provided in the Galactomannan review and least successful was the appendix in the Physical examination review.

Participants' approach to the methodological quality assessment depended on their experience with systematic reviews, as well as on their knowledge of the specific QUADAS criteria. Those with little experience tended to skip the section or to make very general comments often driven by the colorSchool and has experience with qualitative research methods. Currently, he is involved in the CARoTT project (<http://clahrc-peninsula.nihr.ac.uk/project/50-cardiac-reviews-of-tests-and-training-carott/full.php>) which works in collaboration with the Peninsula Heart and Stroke Network to produce a series of systematic reviews of test accuracy studies on diagnostic tests used in cardiovascular diseases.

RG is a senior lecturer in evidence synthesis at the European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School. She is a social science researcher specializing in systematic review and evidence synthesis and is particularly interested in methods of synthesis for qualitative research. Her current research is focused on the use of a broad range of evidence to investigate complex public health issues.

CH is a professor of public health and clinical epidemiology at the University of Exeter Medical School. He