Comparison of Open and Blind Histopathologic Evaluation of Hepatic Lesions

摘要

The paper explores the controversy among scientists on whether microscopicevaluation of tissue slides should be done in an open or blind fashion. Definitions were given and discussed that provided a better focus to the problem. An experiment was conducted in which hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis in rats was assessed both openly and blindly. The results indicate that statistical bias is present when the slides are read openly. Valid comparisons among treatment groups are possible in the presence of statistical bias, provided appropriate control groups have been incorporated into the experimental design. (Copyright (c) 1992 Elsevier Science Publishers B.V.)