Preoperative tests - 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 on:

• 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)

You can read more about the different types of preoperative tests you may have before surgery have at Lab Tests Online UK.