• Screening is far more than just having a mammogram, cervical smear test, hearing test, blood test, or other check.
• It starts with those who would benefit from screening being offered the opportunity to take part in a screening programme. This may be the person who will be screened, or in the case of a baby, their parent or caregiver.
• The screening test is then carried out on the individual. This may mean going to a clinic or surgery, or in the case of babies, the test may be carried out in hospital or at home. After the screening takes place, some babies or adults may be offered further tests.
• A small number of those screened will be found to have a condition, and options for action will be discussed.

This whole process is known as 'the screening pathway'.

You may deal with different people and groups at the different stages of the screening pathway.