Preoperative blood tests: an expensive tick box exercise

J Perioper Pract. 2011 Dec;21(12):421-4. doi: 10.1177/175045891102101204.

Abstract

The purpose of preoperative investigations is to provide diagnostic and prognostic information. Preoperative tests requested for a cohort of patients admitted for simple trauma related procedures were retrospectively reviewed. Adherence to the NICE guidelines was found to be 5%. No result from a blood test led to a change in the management of the patient. The authors believe that implementation of the NICE guidelines will reduce clinical time and result in huge financial savings for individual institutions.

MeSH terms

  • Cost Savings
  • Guideline Adherence
  • Hematologic Tests*
  • Humans
  • Preoperative Care*
  • Retrospective Studies