Question

Prospective screening is done in case of ?

• A. Neonate for thyroid diseases
• B. Immigrant screening
• C. Pap smear for 45-year female
• D. Diabetes mellitus for 40-year male

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Prospective screening refers to the process of examining individuals who are at potential risk of certain health conditions or diseases before any symptoms have presented. It is a preventive measure aimed at identifying at-risk individuals early to prevent the onset or progression of the disease. Let's evaluate the given options to determine which one involves prospective screening:

• Neonate for thyroid diseases: This is more commonly known as neonatal screening. Although it is preventive, it is standard care to detect congenital disorders, not specifically 'prospective' in the general sense insinuated here.
• Immigrant screening: This involves assessing the health status of immigrants to prevent the spread of diseases and to ensure they receive proper healthcare support if any conditions are detected. It is typically conducted before symptoms appear, thus qualifying as prospective screening.
• Pap smear for 45-year female: This is a screening test for cervical cancer, conducted as part of routine medical examinations based on age and risk factors, which is better categorized under early detection screening.
• Diabetes mellitus for 40-year male: Screening for diabetes mellitus at this age is proactive but generally aligns more with regular health monitoring rather than the broad, prospective screening typically applied in public health contexts like immigrant screening.

After evaluating all options, Immigrant screening best fits the criteria for prospective screening.