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Signature Test: Abnormal Signature Test

2006

A rapid handwriting observation evaluated as a marker of delirium-related dysgraphia. It is historically interesting but insensitive and should not be used as a stand-alone screen.

At a glance

Purpose
Domain-specific or adjunctive measure
Population
Older medical inpatients
Setting
General / acute hospital
Time
brief observation of a signature; a measured administration time was not verified
Items
1

Primary validation papers

0 identified diagnostic-accuracy papers

Other forms of validation are described in the evidence section. What is counted?

Large-scale clinical implementation

Not yet reviewed.

A focused implementation review has not yet been completed for this profile.

Training and instructions

Public training resources have not yet been confirmed in this review. Check the linked developer or original source for instructions.

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Tool and original sources

This record describes a method rather than a downloadable bedside form. The main source is linked below.

Original paper

  • Principal sourceAdamis D, Reich S, Treloar A, Macdonald AJ, Martin FC. Dysgraphia in elderly delirious medical inpatients. Aging clinical and experimental research. 2006;18(4):334-9. doi: 10.1007/BF03324668. PMID: 17063069.

    This is the principal published source for Signature Test. It is the main source for the method, its intended use and the evidence available at publication.

    Open PubMed ↗
No eligible DTA study identifiedHistorical context
Classification

Classification

Domain-specific or adjunctive measureCognitive tests designed for deliriumDetailed phenomenological and/or neuropsychological assessment

A tool may belong to more than one category. Select a linked category to see other relevant profiles.

Evidence

Diagnostic-accuracy evidenceNo eligible DTA study identified

Reported sensitivity and specificity

54%
Sensitivity
88%
Specificity

Summary estimate from the Adamis 2006 study as tabulated in a later rapid-screen review.

More evidence and citation details
Full name
Abnormal Signature Test
Related profiles
DWT
Evidence summary
single-DTA
Citation
Adamis D, Reich S, Treloar A, Macdonald AJ, Martin FC Dysgraphia in elderly delirious medical inpatients Aging Clinical and Experimental Research. 2006;18(4):334-339. PMID 17063069
Download RIS ↗ Download BibTeX ↗

Primary validation studies

Distinct primary publications from the current diagnostic-accuracy audit. Reviews and repeated evaluations within one paper are not counted again. Overlapping cohorts have not all been reconciled. Read the counting rules and limitations.

No eligible diagnostic-accuracy paper is currently included in this audit. This does not mean the tool has never been validated. The source paper and other evidence on this profile may concern severity, reliability or another measurement purpose.

Copyright and reuse
Version
Historical/experimental assessment reported in 2006
Information checked
2026-07-19

Instrument-specific terms apply. See the access and copyright policy or send a correction.

Base clinical review: 2026-07-29. Instrument description source check: 2026-09-05. Scope and limitations.