Evidence regarding the following factors should be considered when recommending a screening interval:
- Whether the natural history of the target condition suggests a short or long development or precursor period.
- 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.
- Whether prior negative or positive screening tests significantly affect the probability of future negative or positive screening tests.
- Whether direct research evidence demonstrates similar or different outcomes in persons assigned to different screening intervals.
Current as of: July 2017
Internet Citation: Appendix X. Factors to Consider When Recommending Screening Intervals. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. July 2017.