USPSTF Issues Recommendations for COPD Screening

The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has again recommended against the screening of asymptomatic adults for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

In an update to their 2008 guidelines, the USPSTF reviewed evidence concerning screening for COPD in asymptomatic adults, and whether the practice could improve health outcomes, and the harms that could be associated with screening.
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As in 2008, the USPSTF found no evidence that screening for COPD in asymptomatic adults could improve quality of life, morbidity, or mortality, nor does the early detection of COPD affect the course of disease progression or improve outcomes.

“The USPSTF concludes with moderate certainty that screening for COPD in asymptomatic persons has no net benefit,” they wrote.

—Michael Potts

Reference:
US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. JAMA. 2016;315(13):1372-1377.