Epidemiology: multiphasic screening: practice question

A PSM question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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PSM · Epidemiology: multiphasic screening

Sample item

At a health camp, every attendee has blood pressure, blood glucose, body mass index, visual acuity and a urine albumin test in a single visit. Which type of screening is this?

APrescriptive screeningBMultiphasic screeningCTargeted screening of a high-risk groupDSequential screening

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Multiphasic screening

Multiphasic screening applies several screening tests together to the same persons at one time. Prescriptive screening aims at one disease for the benefit of the individual, and targeted screening restricts the programme to a high-risk group. Sequential testing applies a second test only to those positive on the first.

Option by option

A. Prescriptive screening
Prescriptive screening is directed at a single disease for the benefit of the individual.
B. Multiphasic screening (correct)
Correct. Several tests applied together at one visit make up multiphasic screening.
C. Targeted screening of a high-risk group
No high-risk group is selected, as every attendee is tested.
D. Sequential screening
Sequential screening tests only first-test positives with a second test.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is B, Multiphasic screening. Multiphasic screening applies several screening tests together to the same persons at one time.

Why is "Prescriptive screening" not the answer?

Prescriptive screening is directed at a single disease for the benefit of the individual.

Why is "Targeted screening of a high-risk group" not the answer?

No high-risk group is selected, as every attendee is tested.

Why is "Sequential screening" not the answer?

Sequential screening tests only first-test positives with a second test.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Epidemiology: multiphasic screening in PSM. Prescriptive screening aims at one disease for the benefit of the individual, and targeted screening restricts the programme to a high-risk group. Sequential testing applies a second test only to those positive on the first.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Epidemiology: multiphasic screening?

Practise biostatistics with small calculations until sensitivity, predictive values and risk measures are automatic. Then use the flashcards and the other PSM questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.