There is a need for a system of epidemiological data collection and development of a national cricket injury database to help predict, reduce, and prevent injury at all levels of the game.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to establish the number of unnecessary preoperative blood tests undertaken on ASA Grade 1 patients undergoing minor/moderate orthopaedic trauma surgery.DesignReview of all ASA1 patients who had been operated on the trauma lists for three consecutive months.SettingUK Teaching Hospital.ParticipantsPatients with ages ranging between 16 and 60 years, and undergoing a minor or moderate trauma operation.Main outcome measuresThe type and number of blood tests were established and any abnormal results were checked for clinical significance and whether the result altered patients' management. The cost of each blood test was calculated so that potential savings could be identified.ResultsA total of 127 patients (60 males, 67 females, average age 34) fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Ninety-five patients (75%) had either one or more preoperative blood tests of which 41% were abnormal but of no clinical significance.ConclusionFrom the results of our study, we conclude that preoperative blood tests are unnecessary in Grade 1 ASA patients undergoing minor/moderate orthopaedic trauma surgery. Unnecessary blood tests can waste time, money, resources and overburden laboratory staff.

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