> 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/extract-meta-analytical-data.md). # Extract Meta-Analytical Data Learn how to manually extract meta-analytical data study by study. Once you've [configured](/review-workflow/meta-analytical-extraction/configure-meta-analytical-extraction.md) your interventions and data elements, extract data from every included study in the nest. ### MA Extract {% stepper %} {% step %} #### Open MA Extraction Select **MA Extraction** from the left-hand menu. You can also extract from the **MA Extract** tab in [Study Inspector](/review-workflow/study-inspector.md), on a study's individual record. {% endstep %} {% step %} #### Add Study Arms Study arms represent the patient groups you're extracting. Select the plus icon in the Study Arms section of the Study Design panel, and add one arm per patient group in the study — a tag icon appears next to an intervention already tagged in the study. For each arm, choose its intervention from the dropdown, then enter the arm size. A red cross in the status box means the arm size is still missing; once entered, the arm's data elements load underneath.

{% endstep %} {% step %} #### Set Measurement Timepoints Each data element starts with one timepoint. Choose what it represents: * **Baseline** — typically the start of the study. One baseline timepoint per data element displays on Synthesis. * **Outcome** — a designated follow-up point. One outcome timepoint per data element displays on Synthesis. * **Other** — any additional timepoint of interest. You can save any number of these, but they don't display on Synthesis. A timepoint you mark **Baseline** or **Outcome** is analyzed alongside the matching timepoint from every other study in the nest in Quantitative Synthesis — so keep what counts as "Outcome," for instance, consistent across studies before you extract. For each timepoint, enter the follow-up period and its unit (days, weeks). A baseline timepoint is typically 0 days. Adding a timepoint highlights its data element orange.

{% endstep %} {% step %} #### Extract The Data Read the study and enter the value for each data element at each timepoint. Select a tag's icon to auto-scroll to the annotation applied during Tagging, if one exists. To add a new annotation at this stage, clear any current selection, choose text or area annotation, make your selection in the PDF, then select **Annotation** next to the relevant data element and **Add New**. This annotation is reviewable later in Study Inspector, and you can select it any time to jump back to it. {% hint style="warning" %} If a data element's total population differs from the arm's overall total, edit the **Total** column for that specific data element rather than leaving the mismatch. {% endhint %} Watch the **Status** column as you go — a red cross means something's wrong with that value: missing information, non-numerical input, or another error. {% hint style="danger" %} Don't select **Complete** while any data element shows a red cross. Resolve the issue first, or you risk losing that row's data. {% endhint %}

{% endstep %} {% step %} #### Complete The Study Once every data element and timepoint shows a green check mark, select **Complete** to move to the next study. {% endstep %} {% endstepper %} ### Dual Meta-Analytical Extraction In Dual mode, when MA Extraction has been completed by two reviewers, it moves into the adjudication queue. Here an adjudicator views and finalizes each decision on the **Adjudicate MA Extraction** page. Only finalized data is available in living exports. #### Adjudicate MA Extraction Adjudicate MA Extraction resolves a disagreement between two independent extractions of the same data point — the same safeguard **Adjudicate Records** provides for screening, applied to an extracted value instead of an inclusion decision.

**Adjudicate a study** 1. In the right-hand panel, input the Final Interventions and Arm size. 2. Compare both extractors' values and any notes each left. Any disagreements are flagged in red. 3. Check the source study yourself, and view annotations marked by each reviewer. 4. Enter the final value for each datapoint, timepoint first then arm-level data. 5. Select Complete to move to the next study. The adjudicator's value becomes the data point's final value — it doesn't average or split the difference between the two original entries. ### FAQs

What does an "Other" timepoint get used for, if it doesn't appear on Synthesis?

It's a way to capture a value worth recording without forcing it into the Baseline or Outcome slot that Quantitative Synthesis analyzes across studies — useful for a timepoint that's genuinely one-off rather than comparable across studies.

Can I use Adaptive Smart Tags for MA Extraction?

No — ASTs is only for tags outside of MA Extraction. We don't yet currently offer a custom meta-analytical extraction tool outside of SMAE.

Can I extract meta-analytical data before Tagging is complete?

Yes — studies enter the Tagging queue and MA extraction queue after inclusion at the same time. It's often helpful to complete Tagging first for attaching annotations but not necessary.

What happens if I select Complete with a data element still showing a red cross?

You risk losing that row's data. Resolve every red-cross status before completing the study.

Can I add more annotations after the ones applied during Tagging?

Yes — clear the current selection, choose a text or area annotation, make your PDF selection, then select **Annotation** next to the data element and **Add New**.

### Next Steps


Study Inspector	Review and edit extracted data across your nest.	Study Inspector
Quantitative Synthesis	View pooled estimates and Network Meta-Analysis outputs.	Quantitative Synthesis
Smart MA Extraction	Extract remaining studies automatically instead.	Smart MA Extraction (beta)

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