Screening tests are used to detect diseases or health disorders early, especially in individuals with a family history of certain diseases. Common tests include mammograms, pap smears, EKGs, prostate exams, colonoscopies, and imaging tests. Preventive screening can help prevent the onset of a disease. Consulting a healthcare professional is important for determining the most appropriate screening test.
A screening test is used to screen an individual for a disease or health disorder. Most screening tests are done in an attempt to catch a disease in its early stage, preferably before the onset of symptoms. Individuals with a history of certain diseases in the family may have certain screening tests more frequently to determine if there are any early signs that the disease may be developing. Some common types of screening tests include mammograms, pap smears, electrocardiograms, and prostate exams. Other common tests are colonoscopy, eye examination, and imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Preventive screening is commonly done in hopes of preventing the onset of a disease. An individual with pre-existing signs of a disease may have a screening test to be advised on how to keep the disease at bay. For example, having blood sugar tests can be a source of medical screening for an individual who does not have diabetes but is showing signs of developing the disease. A doctor may be able to advise the patient on things to do to keep the risk of developing diabetes low.
Mammograms are an important health screening for women, especially in families where breast cancer has affected many members. This diagnostic test may show abnormalities in the breast tissue. The Papanicolaou test, commonly referred to as a pap smear, is a screening test used to detect abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix, including precancerous cells.
An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a screening test given to examine the electrical activity of the heart. If a doctor is trying to confirm or rule out a particular heart condition, this is commonly one of the first cardiovascular tests given. The test can also be part of a wellness screening exam.
A prostate exam is another common test for screening men for prostate abnormalities. This screening will commonly include a physical exam of the prostate and a blood test. Prostate cancer often causes few symptoms in its early stages, so a screening test can help catch any abnormalities early.
A colonoscopy is a common medical screening used to detect colon cancer. Abnormalities of the large intestine, also known as the colon, can be detected and biopsies obtained with this type of test. Individuals with family histories of colon cancer may undergo colonoscopy more frequently than an individual with no family history.
When a doctor suspects a disease or disorder, a computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be done to look for abnormalities or diseases in the body. These tests can provide detailed images of bones, organs, muscles and tissues through highly technical computer imaging. While more commonly used for diagnosis, these tests can be useful for screening in cases where there is a high risk of certain diseases.
It can be very helpful for a patient to see their doctor for a screening test at the first indication that a problem may be present. Many conditions can be diagnosed early, and many others can be prevented completely by having screening tests. A healthcare professional should be consulted as to the most appropriate test for screening for individual health problems or concerns.
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