Wilson and Jungner (WHO, 1968) criteria for a screening programme state that the condition screened for must have a recognizable latent or early symptomatic stage. Which of the following conditions would FAIL this criterion for population screening?

• A Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
• B Phenylketonuria in neonates
• C Acute appendicitis ✓
• D Diabetic retinopathy

Explanation

Acute appendicitis does not have a recognizable asymptomatic latent phase that is detectable by a screening test; it presents abruptly. Wilson-Jungner criteria require a condition with a detectable preclinical phase during which early intervention improves outcomes. CIN, PKU in neonates, and diabetic retinopathy all have clinically significant, detectable preclinical stages where intervention reduces morbidity. Screening for acute conditions that arise suddenly without a latent phase is not appropriate by these criteria.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.