Searching with MeSH using PubMed
PubMed similar to Medline/OVID attempts to map search terms to MeSH, however, a user generally does not have the direct control over which specific MeSH are used in the PubMed search. One way to better control, which MeSH are selected is to use the MeSH Database.
- The MeSH Database, which is available from PubMed's main page, locates MeSH and helps users to build targeted PubMed search strategies.
- For example, a MeSH Database search for the term "heart attack" yields the MeSH "myocardial infarction," other related MeSH, and their corresponding scope notes.
- From the MeSH Database it is possible to build PubMed Searches by using the drop down menu (pictured below) and sending your selected term to the PubMed search box.
- Using MeSH terms in a PubMed search helps to ensure a more targeted and specific search.
- Note: MeSH is only applied to biomedical citations in PubMed. Therefore using MeSH to search PubMed may exclude citations that fall outside the scope of medicine. Also because citations are entered into PubMed before they are indexed with MeSH there is a possibility that a PubMed search using MeSH may miss newer citations.