The impact of routine preoperative complete blood count (CBC) in elective operations in Srinagarind Hospital.

Because anemia and infectious diseases are still common, routine preoperative complete blood count (CBC) is often performed in most teaching hospitals in Thailand. However, there is growing consensus that it is of little benefit. We studied prospectively all patients who were scheduled for elective operation in Srinagarind Hospital. Medical history and physical examination were obtained prospectively without knowing the CBC result. Out of 1,013 patients interviewed, 955 were suitable for study, 384/955 (40.2%) of the CBC were abnormal. Significant anemia (hematocrit less than 30%) was found in 42 (4.4%), leukocytosis in 113 (11.8%), inadequate platelet in 3 (0.3%). The CBC abnormalities led to a change in management in 38 (4.0%). The clinical predictors of CBC abnormalities included weight loss, history of fever, presence of anemia and tender abdomen. In those with normal history and physical examination, the prevalence of anemia and CBC which led to management change was less than 1.7 per cent, regardless of age.