Preoperative tests are selected to answer specific questions about a patient’s health and the planned procedure. This article is general education and cannot account for an individual patient, procedure, medication list, or surgical plan.
Key takeaways
- Understanding Preoperative Testing is part of planning care before surgery, not a guarantee of a particular outcome.
- Accurate information about health conditions, medicines, allergies, and previous anesthesia experiences helps the team plan.
- Testing and specialist review should be individualized to the procedure and patient rather than applied automatically.
- Your surgical team’s instructions take priority over general online guidance.
Why tests may be ordered
Preoperative tests can help identify information that matters for surgery or anesthesia. The type of testing depends on the patient’s health, symptoms, known conditions, and the procedure being planned.
Common examples
MedlinePlus lists blood tests, urinalysis, chest x-ray, and electrocardiogram among tests that may be used in selected patients. Other testing can include pulmonary function testing, cardiac testing, or imaging when there is a specific reason.
For additional context, see What Is a Preoperative Assessment?, which explains the next related part of the perioperative pathway.
Not every patient needs every test
Testing should be individualized. A healthy person having a minor procedure may need little or no additional testing, while someone with important medical conditions or a major operation may need a more detailed evaluation.
What happens to the results
Results are reviewed in the context of the planned operation. An abnormal result does not automatically mean surgery will be cancelled. The team may decide that no change is needed, repeat or clarify a test, adjust the plan, or request input from another clinician.
How patients can help
Tell the team about recent tests, bring an updated medication list, and make sure outside results are sent to the correct office. If you become ill before surgery, notify your care team rather than assuming previously completed testing is enough.
Use your own surgical instructions
Perioperative instructions vary by procedure, facility, anesthesia plan, and medical history. If this page differs from instructions given by your healthcare team, follow your healthcare team and contact them with questions.
Frequently asked questions
What tests are commonly done before surgery?
Possible tests include blood tests, urinalysis, an ECG, chest imaging, or other studies. The exact choice depends on the type of surgery and the patient’s health. Routine testing without a clinical reason is not appropriate for every patient.
Who reviews preoperative test results?
Results may be reviewed by the surgeon, primary care clinician, anesthesia team, pre-op clinic, or a specialist involved in the patient’s care. The process varies by facility, but abnormal or unexpected findings may lead to additional discussion or evaluation.
Can abnormal results delay surgery?
Sometimes. A result may need clarification, repeat testing, treatment, or specialist input before surgery. A delay does not necessarily mean something serious was found; it may simply give the care team time to understand and manage a potentially relevant issue safely.
References and further reading
- MedlinePlus: Tests and visits before surgery
- American College of Surgeons: Preparing for Surgery
- AHRQ: Getting Ready for Your Ambulatory Surgery