Appendix XI

Factors to be Considered when Recommending Screening Interval

Evidence regarding the following factors should be considered when recommending an interval for screening:

1. Whether the natural history of the target condition suggests a short or long development or precursor period.
2. Whether the incidence rate of the risk factor or target condition remains stable or varies markedly over time according to parameters such as age, particular behaviors, other risk factors, or other medical conditions.
3. Whether prior negative or positive screening tests significantly affect the probability of future negative or positive screening tests.
4. Whether direct research evidence demonstrates similar or different outcomes in people assigned to different screening intervals.

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AHRQ Publication No. 08-05118-EF
Current as of July 2008

Internet Citation:

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Procedure Manual. AHRQ Publication No. 08-05118-EF, July 2008 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf08/methods/procmanual.htm