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Routine preoperative tests for elective surgery - NICE guideline

This guideline covers routine preoperative tests for people aged over 16 who are having elective surgery.

Routine preoperative tests for elective surgery aims to reduce unnecessary testing by advising which tests to offer people before minor, intermediate and major or complex surgery, taking into account specific comorbidities (cardiovascular, renal and respiratory conditions and diabetes and obesity). It does not cover pregnant women or people having cardiothoracic procedures or neurosurgery.

Recommendations

This guideline includes recommendations on:

Who is it for?

  • Healthcare professionals
  • People having elective surgery, their families and carers

Related publications

O'Neill F, Carter E, Pink N, Smith I. Routine preoperative tests for elective surgery: summary of updated NICE guidance. BMJ. 2016; 354:i3292