Criteria for Screening

 The following conditions should be fulfilled before the disease is considered suitable for screening:

1. The condition should be an important public health problem (prevalence should be high).

2. There should be a recognizable latent/asymptomatic phase.

3. The natural history of the disease should be well understood.

4. There should be tests that can detect the disease prior to the onset of signs and symptoms. The test should have high sensitivity and specificity.

5. Facilities for confirmation of the diagnosis should be available.

6. There should be an effective treatment.

7. There should be a protocol for patient treatment.

8. There should be evidence that early detection and treatment reduces morbidity and mortality.

9. The expected benefits of early detection should exceed the costs and risks.