Preoperative evaluation

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.