Which laboratory tests are commonly ordered prior to surgery?

Before surgery, certain laboratory tests are routinely performed to ensure the patient's safety and readiness for the procedure. A complete blood count (CBC) is important as it provides information on the patient's hemoglobin levels, white blood cell count, and platelets, which can indicate anemia, infection, and the ability to clot. Electrolyte levels are also crucial, as imbalances can affect heart function and overall physiological stability during surgery. The coagulation profile is vital to assess the patient’s bleeding risk, helping the surgical team to take necessary precautions in managing blood loss during the operation.

While the other test options do have their uses in specific scenarios, they do not cover the essential parameters needed to assess a patient’s readiness for surgery quite as comprehensively. For instance, blood sugar and liver function tests might be relevant for certain patients, particularly those with pre-existing conditions, but they are not universally required for all surgical candidates. Urinalysis and pregnancy tests may be important in specific cases, particularly for women of childbearing age or those with urinary concerns, but they do not provide a comprehensive overview of the patient's surgical readiness. Chest X-ray and ECG can be part of preoperative evaluations for patients with cardiovascular diseases but are not routinely ordered for every surgical patient unless indicated