Sõeluuringut

Sõeluuringut, often translated as screening, refers to the systematic application of a test to a apparently healthy population to identify individuals who are likely to have a specific disease or condition. The goal of screening is to detect diseases at an early stage when they are more treatable, or even before symptoms appear. This can lead to better health outcomes and potentially reduce the burden of disease on individuals and healthcare systems.

Screening tests are chosen based on several criteria. The condition being screened for should be a significant health problem with a recognizable early stage, and there should be an effective treatment available for those identified with the condition. The screening test itself should be reliable, accurate, and acceptable to the population being screened. It should also be cost-effective.

Common examples of sõeluuringut include mammography for breast cancer, Pap smears for cervical cancer, and blood tests for conditions like high cholesterol or diabetes. Population-based screening programs are often organized by health authorities and target specific age groups or risk categories. While screening can be highly beneficial, it is important to understand that screening tests are not diagnostic. A positive screening result typically requires further diagnostic testing to confirm the presence of the disease. False positives can lead to unnecessary anxiety and further testing, while false negatives can delay diagnosis.