ObjectivesTo introduce the formulating methods and implementing steps of search strategy of systematic reviews (SRs)/meta-analysis (MAs) of animal experiments, so as to provide a reference for domestic related researchers, and promote the development and implementation of high quality SRs/MAs of animal experiments in China. MethodsPubMed, EMbase and CNKI databases were searched online to retrieve studies on the search strategy of SRs/ MAs of animal experiments from inception to October 2017. A descriptive analysis was then conducted using the evidence-based medicine theory and method.ResultsA total of 5 studies were included. The 5 basic steps on how to design and carry out comprehensive search strategies to identify potentially relevant animal experiments on a specific research question were as follow: 1) Formulate research question; 2) Identify appropriate databases and sources of studies; 3) Transform research question into search strategy; 4) Collect search results and remove duplicates; 5) Identify potentially relevant papers. The report of search strategy needs to state its search method and search results clearly.ConclusionThese 5 steps can provide an effective method, which will assist researchers in performing a comprehensive literature search.
