Preoperative testing often exceeds guidelines, leading to unnecessary costs and patient burden.

• 89% of 501 patients underwent at least one unnecessary test, primarily full blood counts and chest X-rays.
• Potential cost savings of ZAR 857,987 annually if NICE guidelines were followed.

This highlights a critical opportunity for surgeons to reassess preoperative testing protocols and reduce waste.

• Over-testing was notably higher in general surgery, ASA 2 patients, and those over 35 years old.