An Audit of Preoperative Blood Tests

Abstract

Purpose

Audit of the use of preoperative blood tests in elective general surgery in a district general hospital. Comparison is made with the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines and recommendations.

Methodology

Retrospective audit of preoperative blood tests performed for elective general surgical patients in a district general hospital over a one month period.

Findings

Patients attending preoperative assessment for general surgery have blood tests performed in excess of the NICE guidelines. The most frequently requested test that is performed against NICE guidelines is a coagulation screen. This was requested in excess of the national guidelines in 17.8% of cases.

Practical implications

This audit highlights the overuse of preoperative blood tests and provides suggestions for improving efficiency and economics in the preoperative setting.

Originality/value of paper

There have been no published audits assessing the current practice against the 2003 NICE guidelines for the use of routine preoperative tests for elective surgery.