Organized screening programmes are designed and managed by national or regional health services to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in screening and to ensure that if a screening test result is abnormal, the patient receives the correct further testing, support, and treatment. Screening is most effective if it is available to all people in the eligible population and if they choose to participate.

Organized screening programmes are recommended in the European Union because they employ a team of people responsible for ensuring the quality of the services provided. That includes checking that guidelines are followed and that the results of the screening programme are regularly reported and evaluated.