Introduction 

Preoperative tests are carried out before planned (elective) surgery. They provide information about conditions that may affect treatment.

The tests you need to have before your operation will depend upon:



your age



your overall level of health



any medications you're taking



the type of surgery you're having



The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends a number of preoperative tests including:



a full blood count (FBC)



blood clotting tests



a blood gases test



a blood glucose test



a urine dipstick test



kidney function tests



a sickle cell test



a pregnancy test (for women)



lung function tests



a chest X-ray



an electrocardiogram (ECG)



 


Preoperative tests