blood tests
Last reviewed 01/2018
This is a controversial area. It is wise to have a standard screen and then add further tests in response to the history or examination:
- standard for major or moderately-involved procedures, or in the elderly:
- urea and electrolytes
- haemoglobin
- haematocrit
- full blood count
- blood glucose: may be easier to do urinalysis along with protein and bilirubin
- supplementary:
- group and save or cross-matching
- LFT's: jaundice, malignancy
- clotting studies: haemorrhage, warfarin or heparin therapy, liver disease
- sickle cell test: depending on ethnic origin
- TFT's: thyroid disorders
- plasma cholinesterase activity: rarely, if indicated by the history