Screening Tests for a Healthier Life Screening tests play a
large role in preventive medicine and are an important part of a
physical exam. They have two major benefits: - Encouragement to
make positive changes: Even if you are healthy, you can learn to
guard your health more closely if a test reveals, for example, a
borderline high cholesterol level. Test results can help you
take steps to reduce your risk and the likelihood that you will
develop a life-threatening disease or disabling condition. -
Early detection: Even before symptoms are recognized or
increased risks are identified, screening tests help detect
disease in its early and most treatable stages. The Screening
section on this site summarizes, by age group, the
recommendations of some of the leading authorities for
conditions for which laboratory screening tests are available.
There are other important conditions that you may be screened
for but that don't involve laboratory testing. Please keep in
mind that for many tests, no national consensus