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Required Tests Before Back Surgery

The exact tests required before back surgery depend on why surgery is being performed, the patient's overall health and the surgeon. The purpose of preoperative tests is to identify physical conditions that may increase the risks of surgical complications, such as cardiac problems or breathing difficulties. The results of these tests can help the medical staff ensures you receive the correct amount of anesthesia, necessary preoperative medical treatment, appropriate monitoring during surgery and the best post-operative pain management and care.

  1. Blood Tests

    • Blood tests can provide a lot of information. For example, a low red blood cell count might indicate anemia (too little iron in the blood). If the white blood cell count is low, it may indicate an infection. A blood test can also measure how well your blood clots, an important consideration because of bleeding caused by surgery. Another blood test measures the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood, which could reveal diabetes or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

      Blood tests can also include metabolic tests that measure levels of electrolytes, such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, that the body needs for metabolic function. For example, calcium is important in contraction of skeletal muscle and relaxation of the heart muscle. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test checks the metabolic function of the liver and kidneys.

    Cardiovascular Tests

    • According to Spine Universe, men over age 50 and women over age 60 may be given a preoperative electrocardiogram (EKG). Other people who may also receive a pre-surgery EKG, and sometimes a chest X-ray, are smokers and people with a history of cardiovascular surgery, angina, diabetes and peripheral vascular disease.

    Pulmonary Tests

    • Your doctor may also check your lung function by asking you to breath into a spirometer, which measures the volume of air inhaled and exhaled. Another test is Arterial Blood Gases (ABG) to measure the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood and the oxygenation and movement of air in and out of the lungs.

    Other Tests

    • A urine test can help identify urinary tract infection, kidney function, diabetes and dehydration. For women who could potentially be pregnant, the doctor may request a pregnancy test.

      If medications are being taken, other tests might be done to measure the level of medication in your body, because some medications can affect anesthesia.

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