Preoperative Laboratory Tests for Elective Surgery

This systematic review evaluates the necessity and effectiveness of preoperative laboratory tests for elective surgeries. The objective is to assess the clinical relevance and cost-effectiveness of these tests, which are commonly performed to evaluate patient health and identify potential surgical risks. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across various databases, resulting in the inclusion of 32 studies published between 2015 and 2024. The findings indicate a consensus among the majority of studies that routine laboratory testing, such as complete blood counts and liver function tests, is often unnecessary for low-risk patients undergoing elective procedures. These tests are deemed essential only for high-risk patients or complex surgeries where clinical assessments warrant them. The review concludes that a selective approach to preoperative testing can enhance patient safety while minimizing unnecessary healthcare costs associated with routine testing practices.