Preoperative evaluation

Abstract

The American Society of Anesthesiologists has produced basic standards for preanesthetic evaluation that apply to patients undergoing all techniques of anesthesia. For many years, preoperative evaluation consisted of a battery of “routine tests.” Multiple national and international studies have questioned the usefulness and the need for this information. A changing economic environment promoting value-based anesthesia has also entered the equation. Based on available data, preoperative laboratory tests should only be ordered after history and physical evaluation indicate necessity.