Tests Performed
Before Surgery
Many surgeons order routine laboratory tests
before admission to the hospital, or even before
certain outpatient procedures, to identify potential
problems that might complicate surgery if not
detected and treated early. According to the US Food and Drug Administration
(FDA), some of the most common tests performed before surgery (and possible
reasons/symptoms for which they are performed) are included in the following list:
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Chest x-rays - a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy
beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film; may be
used to help diagnose causes of shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, fever of
unknown origin, and other abnormal heart, respiratory, and lung sounds.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) - a test that records the electrical activity of the
heart, shows abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias), detects heart
muscle damage, and helps determine the cause of chest pain, heart
palpitations, and heart murmurs.
Urinalysis - may be used to diagnose kidney and bladder infections, and
diabetes. Specific types of urinalysis can also detect drugs present in the
body.
White blood count - may be used to diagnose fever of unknown origin,
infection, and use of drugs known to affect white blood counts.
The following tests, used on blood and urine specimens, measure certain substances and
electrolytes in the body which should be normalized as much as possible before surgery:
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Glucose
Potassium
Sodium
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