• Combine search terms using appropriate syntax for a chosen database.
• Run an initial search.

In order to retrieve relevant results, it is best to group synonyms in parenthesis with a capital OR (to capture different phrasing of the same concept) and connect different concepts with a capital AND (to capture only results that include all of your concepts together). These are known as Boolean operators.

• You can enter search terms in the default basic search bar:

• Or use the Advanced Search for more control:

• The Advanced Search Builder in PubMed gives you the option to apply boolean operators from a menu.

• PubMed will not recognize lowercase “and” or “or” as Boolean operators, so make sure you capitalize them when you want to combine, include, or exclude search terms.

There are several ways to save and share your search strategy. This can be helpful if you want to repeat or update the search later, and if you need to document your methodology.

• From the Search results page, you can create an email alert or an RSS feed to save in your NCBI account. You can also copy the URL from your web browser’s address bar.

• From the Advanced Search builder, you have a couple of options. You can download a CSV file of your search history and details and save it to your desktop or send it to yourself.
• To save the search in your NCBI account, select the ellipses under “actions” and then select “create alert”.

• When you do this, you have the option of automatically rerunning the search at periodic intervals and sending you updated results by email.

• You will also be able to retrieve, modify, and re-run the search from your NCBI dashboard.