This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Diagnostic test accuracy). The objectives are as follows:

The objective of this review is to characterize the accuracy of the Mallampati classification and other commonly used airway examination tests (Table 1) for assessing the physical status of the airway in adult patients with no apparent anatomical airway abnormalities. This will be performed individually for each of the four descriptors of the DA (difficult face mask ventilation, difficult laryngoscopy, difficult tracheal intubation and failed intubation).