The Value of Preoperative Laboratory Investigations in Healthy Individuals Undergoing Elective Cataract Surgeries

PURPOSE: To evaluate the number of patients with abnormal preoperative laboratory test results and determine the benefits of these tests in healthy individuals scheduled for elective cataract surgeries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was conducted at Songklanagarind Hospital, Thailand. The data were collected from January 1, 2020, to August 31, 2021. The results of laboratory investigations, consisting of a complete blood count (CBC), including hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), and platelet count; chest X-ray (CXR); electrocardiography (EKG); and anti-human immunodeficiency virus (anti-HIV), were evaluated and analyzed. Additional management actions and rates of postponement or cancellation of surgeries were also evaluated. RESULTS: In total, 401 participants were enrolled in this study. The rates of abnormal investigation results were 40.2% for EKG, 15.5% for CXR, 12.7% for Hb, 11.7% for Hct, 2.0% for platelet count, and 0.2% for anti-HIV. The preoperative tests that required additional management and postponement/cancellation of surgeries were CXR (5.5% and 1.7%, respectively), EKG (2.5% and 0.5%, respectively), and anti-HIV (0.2% and 0%, respectively). Moreover, age ≥60 years was associated with a significantly higher rate of positive preoperative EKG findings (relative risk, 4.64; p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: The CBC test was not beneficial as a preoperative laboratory investigation for healthy individuals in any age group who were scheduled for elective cataract surgery. However, EKG, CXR, and anti-HIV test results were valuable. Patients aged ≥60 years were at risk of having positive EKG results that could result in cancellation or postponement of surgery.