a test carried out on a large number of apparently healthy people to separate those who probably have a specified disease from those who do not. Examples are the Guthrie test, cervical smear, and Forrest screening. Limitations depend on the severity and frequency distribution of the disease and the efficiency and availability of treatment. Other factors to be taken into account are the safety, convenience, cost, and sensitivity of the test. See also genetic screening.
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any test used to eliminate those who are definitely not affected by the disease in question, the remainder (those with positive reactions) being subjected to more refined diagnostic tests.Medical dictionary. 2011.