Which screening approach involves evaluating all individuals rather than a targeted group?

• A. Universal screening.
• B. Referrals.
• C. Diagnostic screening.
• D. None of the above.

Answer: (A)

Universal screening evaluates every individual in a defined population, not just those at higher risk or who show signs. This approach aims to identify conditions early across the whole group, so no one is missed due to selective criteria. That’s why it’s the best fit for the prompt, which asks for evaluating all individuals rather than a targeted subset. In contrast, targeted screening looks only at people with known risk factors or symptoms, which can miss cases outside that group. Diagnostic screening refers to tests used to confirm a condition after a positive screen, rather than screening everyone, and referrals are about directing someone to further evaluation rather than the screening itself.