Which laboratory test is commonly ordered for pre-operative patients to assess overall health?

A complete blood count (CBC) is commonly ordered for pre-operative patients to assess overall health because it provides crucial information about the patient's hematologic status. The CBC measures various components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This information helps identify any underlying conditions such as anemia or infection, which could complicate surgery or anesthetic management.

For example, low red blood cell counts might indicate anemia, which could affect the patient's oxygen-carrying capacity and ability to recover post-surgery. Abnormal white blood cell counts might suggest an ongoing infection, which could increase the risk of postoperative complications. The CBC is a comprehensive test that supports the surgical team in evaluating the patient's readiness for surgery and helps establish a baseline for future assessments.

While other tests such as the hepatic function panel, electrocardiogram, and coagulation profile provide important information, they are more specialized and may not give a complete overview of the patient’s overall health. The hepatic function panel assesses liver health, which is crucial but not comprehensive for surgical preparedness. The ECG evaluates heart health, crucial for specific patients, and the coagulation profile focuses on bleeding risks rather than overall health. Thus, the CBC is a primary and fundamental test in pre-operative