title: Efficacy of preadmission testing in ambulatory surgical patients.
abstract: A retrospective study was done with 325 patients who had preadmission testing prior to ambulatory surgery. At least one laboratory abnormality was noted in 84% of the patients. The serial multiple analysis (SMA)-7 was abnormal 63% of the time. Abnormalities were seen in 54% of the SMA-12 panels and 38% of the urinalyses performed. Twenty-four percent of the patients treated had an abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG). An abnormal chest roentgenogram was found in 19% of the patients. Only three (1%) patients potentially benefited from preadmission testing. Ninety-six percent of the abnormal laboratory results were ignored by the attending physicians. Therefore, we conclude that preadmission testing should be done on a selective basis. Patients older than 50 years of age should have an ECG. A hematocrit should be obtained only if major blood loss is anticipated. All other tests should be ordered based on the history and physical examination.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Flushing Hospital Medical Center, New York 11355.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Golub
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cantu
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Sorrento
authors.forename: H D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Stein
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009518:New York / Q000453:epidemiology; D010038:Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014556:Urine / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology