Screening is a way to evaluate people without symptoms to determine if they are at risk for MDS or have already developed MDS. Screening for any disease often involves:
- Assessing your medical history—This often includes a discussion of lifestyle habits that may increase or decrease your risk of having a condition like MDS.
- Tests to identify early signs of the condition
At this time, there are no official screening guidelines for MDS. A routine yearly checkup with your family doctor will most always include blood testing. If you have MDS, it will show up in the results of the blood test; your doctor will then do further testing.
There is no evidence that screening tests to look only for MDS will decrease the mortality or morbidity of a rare condition like MDS. Thus, while annual blood tests may routinely detect the disorder, in many cases before symptoms occur, there is no evidence that this leads to improved medical outcomes or is cost effective.
Last reviewed May 2007 by Igor Puzanov, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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