Screening programs are designed based on several factors including the prevalence of the disease, the availability of effective treatments, and the accuracy of the screening tests. Key components of a well-designed screening program include:
- Target Population: Identifying the group of individuals who are most likely to benefit from the screening. - Screening Test: Choosing a test that is highly sensitive and specific to minimize false positives and negatives. - Follow-Up: Establishing protocols for follow-up testing and treatment for those who test positive.
