Preoperative preparation: which tests are needed and why?
Good preparation reduces complications and makes surgery day safer. A plain guide to what your surgeon may request.
Why do we request pre-op tests?
The goal is to assess fitness for anaesthesia and surgery, detect issues that raise the risk of bleeding, infection or breathing problems, and address them before the operation.
Common examples
- Complete blood count (haemoglobin and platelets)
- Coagulation tests for patients on blood thinners or with bleeding history
- Kidney and liver function depending on age and condition
- ECG or chest X-ray for selected patients
Medication review
Some medications need timing adjustments (blood thinners, some diabetes drugs). Do not stop anything on your own; decisions are coordinated between the surgeon, anaesthetist and your treating doctor.
Fasting and day-of-surgery instructions
Fasting reduces the risk of vomiting under anaesthesia. Follow the hospital’s instructions for food and clear fluids carefully.
Good preparation prevents surprises: every detail about medications, bleeding risk and allergies helps make surgery safer.
This article is for general awareness and is not a diagnosis or a treatment plan for any specific case. To have your case assessed, please book a clinic appointment.