skriinimise

Skriinimine refers to the systematic process of evaluating a population or group to identify individuals who may have a health condition or risk factor, so they can receive further assessment or intervention. It is intended for asymptomatic people or those without a known diagnosis, and aims to reduce disease burden by enabling early detection or risk modification. It is distinct from diagnostic testing, which confirms a condition in someone with symptoms or signs.

In health care, screening programs cover areas such as cancer (for example, mammography or colonoscopy), infectious diseases (such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, or TB), and newborn screening for certain genetic or metabolic conditions. Screening can also address cardiovascular or metabolic risk factors, sometimes as opportunistic assessments during routine care. Beyond medicine, screening concepts are used in fields like occupational health and public safety to detect hazards or fraud, though ethics and effectiveness vary by domain.

Key concepts in skriinimine include sensitivity and specificity (the ability to correctly identify those with and without disease), predictive values, and the balance of benefits and harms. Practical design involves selecting appropriate target populations, choosing suitable tests, establishing follow-up procedures for positive results, and monitoring program impact. Overdiagnosis, false positives, anxiety, and resource use are important considerations in evaluating a program's value.

Implementation relies on evidence-based guidelines from health authorities and professional bodies, which weigh population risks, test characteristics, and health system capacity. Ethical considerations emphasize informed consent, privacy, equity of access, and minimizing unintended harms.