Edward Kessler and colleagues used the Analytic Hierarchy Process to identify the best initial test in a potential test sequence (for a 52yo man entering ER with moderately severed upper abdominal pain and for whom the possible diagnoses were determined to be: gastritis, ulcer, cholecystitis and pancreatitis) They went on to suggest using it again, after the initial test result is known and disease probabilities revised accordingly, to identify the next optimal test. (N.B. An optimal test sequence is not identified in advance.)

Frank Castro, Leonard P Caccamo, Kimbroe J Carter, Barbara A Erickson, William Johnson,  Edward Kessler, Nathan P Ritchey, Claudio A Ruiz (1996) Sequential test selection in the analysis of Adominal Pain  Medical Decision Making 16: 178-183

The purpose of presenting an Annalisa version of a study conducted using another MCDA method (such as the Analytic Hierarchy Process) is to summarise and present the analysis in a simple and attractive one-screen format for a large audience - and to permit the interested viewer to download the .alt file and interact with the Weightings and Ratings to determine the effect of changes on the Scores. Alternatively the .alt file may be used as a 'starter' for a new analysis. No opinion is expressed or implied in regard to the merits of the study on any criterion.