The options in antenatal and neonatal care are legion. Preferences still tend to be subjective. In spite of much publicity that has raised public expectation, an up-to-date thorough evaluation of antenatal and neonatal screening has been lacking. This book sets out the principles and theory of screening using single and multiple markers. It emphasizes the need to examine screening approaches in a quantitative manner and aims to help enable choices to be based on objective evidence of efficacy safety, and cost — essential in determining public health policy. Technical advances have sometimes be ... More

The options in antenatal and neonatal care are legion. Preferences still tend to be subjective. In spite of much publicity that has raised public expectation, an up-to-date thorough evaluation of antenatal and neonatal screening has been lacking. This book sets out the principles and theory of screening using single and multiple markers. It emphasizes the need to examine screening approaches in a quantitative manner and aims to help enable choices to be based on objective evidence of efficacy safety, and cost — essential in determining public health policy. Technical advances have sometimes been introduced uncritically and without adequate assessment. It has been assumed, perhaps naively, that the early detection of abnormality will invariably be a good thing. In this book, there is no such assumption that new tests or technical procedures are useful. They are only considered as a legitimate medical option if they can and have been shown to lead to improvements in outcome. Each disorder is defined and the screening procedure which is designed to identify the disorder critically evaluated. Priority is given to the screening of disorders which lend themselves to effective intervention and practical guidance is provided on how screening should be conducted. Most chapters include a discussion of problem areas and research needs. There are twenty-three chapters from leading experts from Europe and North America. The book bridges different disciplines concerned with screening, and aims to improve the understanding of the subject and delivery of preventive medical services.