What it means
A test used on healthy-seeming people to find a problem before it causes symptoms, when it is often easier to treat. Mammograms, colonoscopies, Pap tests and blood pressure checks are examples. A screening test does not prove a disease is there: a positive result is followed by a diagnostic test to confirm it.
For the nurse
Teach clients which screenings are due for their age and risk, and why. Screening is part of health promotion and secondary prevention.
In a chart
"Client is 50 and has never had a colon cancer screening test; referral discussed."
At a glance
| Spanish | prueba de detección |
|---|---|
| Also written | screening tests, screening-tests |
Related terms
health promotion
Helping people take actions that keep them well and improve their health.
colon cancer
Cancer that starts in the colon, the main part of the large intestine.