[Screening prior to surgery and interventions]

Routine preoperative screening is often performed but seldom indicated. The evidence for such procedures is weak or lacking. Advanced patient age is also not a reasonable trigger to initiate testing. Obtaining a detailed, standardized bleeding history, for example using a questionnaire, is much more valuable than blind testing for coagulation parameters. Of primary importance are a detailed medical history with special focus on the patient's individual fitness and a thorough physical examination. Specific blood tests may then follow. Renal function tests are indicated as routine if major surgery with intraoperative volume restriction is planned. Routine preoperative chest radiography is almost never indicated.