screening

(skrēn′ing )

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1. Evaluation of patients for diseases such as cancer, heart disease, or substance abuse before these conditions become clinically obvious. Screening can play an important part in the early diagnosis and management of selected illnesses and in some instances may prolong lives.
SYN: SEE: screening test
2. In psychiatry, the initial examination to determine the mental status of a person and the appropriate initial therapy.

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