Which screening tools are commonly used to screen for obstructive sleep apnea?

• A. Polysomnography is the only screening tool
• B. Only STOP-BANG is used; Epworth is not
• C. Screening tools are not helpful
• D. STOP-BANG and Epworth sleepiness scale are commonly used screening tools for obstructive sleep apnea

Answer: (D)

Screening tools are used to identify patients who should undergo formal testing for obstructive sleep apnea. Polysomnography is the definitive diagnostic test, not a preliminary screen, so relying on it as the only screening tool isn’t appropriate. STOP-BANG is a quick, validated questionnaire that screens for OSA risk and is widely used, especially in preoperative settings due to its high sensitivity. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale measures daytime sleepiness and helps gauge symptoms that may be related to sleep-disordered breathing; it isn’t specific to OSA but complements STOP-BANG in screening. Using both together provides a practical approach to identify those who need diagnostic testing. Therefore, STOP-BANG and Epworth sleepiness scale are commonly used screening tools for obstructive sleep apnea.