USPSTF Advises Against COPD Screening in Asymptomatic Adults, Updates TB Screening Guidance

​The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) affirmed its 2008 recommendation against screening asymptomatic patients for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The recommendation, which includes current and former smokers as well as nonsmokers, applies only to patients who "do not recognize or report respiratory symptoms," says USPSTF. Based on recent data, the task force determined with moderate certainty that detection of COPD before symptoms develop does not change the course of the disease or improve outcomes.