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Review
. 2024 Nov;108(6):1005-1016.
doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2024.04.010. Epub 2024 Jun 8.

Preoperative Testing

Alana Sigmund  1 , Matthew A Pappas  2 , Jason F Shiffermiller  3
Affiliations
Review

Preoperative Testing

Alana Sigmund et al. Med Clin North Am. 2024 Nov.

Abstract

Preoperative medical evaluation can minimize inefficiencies and improve outcomes. Thoughtful use of preoperative testing can aid in that effort, but, conversely, indiscriminate testing can detract from it. The United Kingdom National Institute for Health Care and Excellence, European Society of Anaesthesiology, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) have all stated that routine preoperative testing is not supported by evidence. Testing is supported only when clinical indications are present. Particularly in low-risk patients, such as those with an ASA classification of 1 or 2 who are undergoing ambulatory procedures, evidence suggests that preoperative testing fails to reduce the risk of complications.

Keywords: Preoperative care; Preoperative testing; Surgery; Value-based care.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure Dr. M.A. Pappas reports funding from NIH, United States, (NHLBI, United States, K08HL141598). Dr. A. Sigmund reports ownership of common stock in CVS, Bristol Myers Squibb, Walgreen’s, and Pfizer. Dr. J.F. Shiffermiller has nothing to disclose.

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