What is a drawback commonly associated with screening tests?

One of the main drawbacks commonly associated with screening tests is the potential for false positives. A false positive occurs when a test indicates that a condition is present when it is actually not. This can lead to unnecessary anxiety for patients, additional testing, and potentially invasive procedures that carry their own risks. Furthermore, the process may result in increased healthcare costs and strain on healthcare resources due to the follow-up care needed for those who receive false-positive results.

While considerations like the cost of the tests, availability of testing sites, and the number of trained professionals are important in the broader context of implementing screening programs, they do not directly impact patient outcomes in the same way that false positives can. False positives can compromise patient trust in the medical system and potentially lead to overtreatment or misdiagnosis, making this aspect a critical focus in the evaluation of screening tests.