Sekundärscreening

Sekundärscreening, also called secondary screening, is the diagnostic follow-up that occurs after an abnormal result in a primary screening test. Its aim is to confirm whether a condition is present, determine its extent, and guide subsequent management. Unlike primary screening, which seeks to detect disease in otherwise healthy individuals, secondary screening targets those with a positive initial finding and often involves more specific or invasive testing.

Typical steps depend on the context but commonly include targeted imaging, endoscopy, laboratory tests, or tissue sampling. Examples include diagnostic mammography or ultrasound after a suspicious breast screen, colposcopy and biopsy after an abnormal cervical screen, colonoscopy following a positive fecal immunochemical test, and imaging or biopsy after a suspicious lung nodule on screening CT.

Sekundärscreening can enable earlier and more accurate diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning, potentially improving outcomes. However, it can also lead to anxiety, unnecessary procedures, complications, overtreatment, and higher costs. The effectiveness depends on test performance, timely follow-up, and patient access.

Guidelines emphasize standardized follow-up protocols, shared decision-making, and clear communication about the purpose, potential results, and risks. Quality metrics include positive predictive value, diagnostic yield, procedure-related complications, and interval cancers.