SP3.02 Unnecessary Preoperative Blood Tests for Patients Undergoing Abscess Incision and Drainage: A Closed-Loop Audit

Background + Aims According to NICE, ASA grade 1 or 2 patients should not receive preoperative blood tests for abscess incision and drainage (I&D). This audit investigated the incidence of preoperative blood tests for low-risk abscess I&D at our centre and evaluated the financial implications. Methods Data was collected retrospectively over a 4-month period (December 2023 – April 2024). Information about type of abscess drainage, ASA grade, and preoperative blood tests was recorded. The findings were disseminated to the department, and posters were hung advising not to take bloods for routine abscess I&D. The same data was collected over another 4-month period (May 2024 – September 2024). Results In the initial study period, 71 cases of abscess I&D were recorded; 55 cases were ASA 1 or 2. Of the ASA 1 and 2 cases, 50 cases (91%) had routine bloods done. These tests amounted to £2,151 spent. In the re-audited period following intervention, 63 cases of abscess I&D were recorded; 55 cases were ASA 1 or 2. Of the ASA 1 and 2 cases, 15 cases (27%) had routine bloods done. These tests amounted to £406 spent during the follow-up period. Conclusions In our General Surgery department, educating staff that ASA 1 and 2 patients do not require pre-operative blood test for abscess I&D led to a reduction of patients receiving blood tests from 91% to 27%. This intervention saved the department £1745 during the 4-month period and will save the department more than £5,000 per year.