> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.nested-knowledge.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.nested-knowledge.com/review-workflow/meta-analytical-extraction.md).

# Meta-Analytical Extraction

Learn what Meta-Analytical Extraction is and when to use it.

**Meta-Analytical Extraction (MA Extraction)** structures quantitative data from included studies for statistical analysis in [Quantitative Synthesis](/review-workflow/synthesis/navigate-synthesis-outputs/quantitative-synthesis.md): pooled estimates in Summary and treatment comparisons in Network Meta-Analysis (NMA).

MA Extraction is optional and off by default since not every review needs to pool data statistically. Turn it on in [Nest Settings](/your-nests/nest-settings.md) as needed. If you do not need pooled statistics, use [Tag Tables ](/review-workflow/tagging/configure-tagging.md#table)instead.

There are two ways to populate it:

* **Configure interventions and data elements, then extract manually**, this ensures full control over what's captured, at the cost of reviewer time. Extract in Single or Dual mode.
* **Run Smart MA Extraction**, which reads your full texts and populates the hierarchy automatically.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Smart MA Extraction is in *beta.* We strongly recommend using [tag tables](/review-workflow/tagging/configure-tagging.md#table) as a faster alternative.
{% endhint %}

### Tools Available

Below is a summary of the MA Extraction AI tools offered and what they do.

| Tool                                                                                                 | Builds the hierarchy                                                         | Extracts data                                                   | Reads                                                  |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ |
| [**Smart MA Extraction (beta)**](/review-workflow/meta-analytical-extraction/smart-ma-extraction.md) | Yes — its own hierarchy, generated independently from your research question | Yes — automatically, for included studies with full-text tables | Full-text tables only (fewer than 30 included studies) |

### What Happens After Extracting Meta-Analytical Data?

Extracted data can be edited anytime **Study Inspector**. It also powers **Quantitative Synthesis**, where you can view pooled estimates and Network Meta-Analysis outputs.

[Review extracted data in Study Inspector](/review-workflow/study-inspector.md) — Filter, review, and edit meta-analytical data.

[Quantitative Synthesis](/review-workflow/synthesis/navigate-synthesis-outputs/quantitative-synthesis.md) — View pooled estimates and Network Meta-Analysis outputs.

### Next Steps

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><i class="fa-sliders">:sliders:</i><br><strong>Configure Meta-Analytical Extraction</strong></td><td>Set up interventions and data elements before extracting.</td><td><a href="/review-workflow/meta-analytical-extraction/configure-meta-analytical-extraction.md">Configure Meta-Analytical Extraction</a></td></tr><tr><td><i class="fa-sparkles">:sparkles:</i><br><strong>Smart MA Extraction</strong></td><td>Extract quantitative data from full texts automatically.</td><td><a href="/review-workflow/meta-analytical-extraction/smart-ma-extraction.md">Smart MA Extraction (beta)</a></td></tr><tr><td><i class="fa-calculator">:calculator:</i><br><strong>Extract Meta-Analytical Data</strong></td><td>Extract quantitative data manually, study by study.</td><td><a href="/review-workflow/meta-analytical-extraction/extract-meta-analytical-data.md">Extract Meta-Analytical Data</a></td></tr><tr><td><i class="fa-chart-line">:chart-line:</i><br><strong>Quantitative Synthesis</strong></td><td>View pooled estimates and Network Meta-Analysis outputs.</td><td><a href="/review-workflow/synthesis/navigate-synthesis-outputs/quantitative-synthesis.md">Quantitative Synthesis</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


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