Effect of lipid screening on preventive care decisions of nonparticipants

Blood donors with suspected hyperlipidemia were identified by means of a screening test. These individuals were advised to seek confirmation and treatment through the program's free clinic or from their usual source of medical care. A mail questionnaire survey was undertaken to determine the response to notification of those electing not to be evaluated at the program's clinic. A substantial proportion sought confirmatory testing elsewhere and, of those treated, most reported favorable results. Thus cost-benefit analyses of programs of screening and treatment should include benefits from preventive health care instituted by extramural sources as well as by these programs themselves. The findings suggest also certain approaches for enhancing the effectiveness of screening programs.