Are There Cutoff Laboratory Values for Sending Patients to the Procedure?
Dr. Allison: Cancer patients, unlike osteoporotic patients, may be undergoing chemotherapy. Chemotherapy may induce nadir blood counts from one to four weeks after the patient’s last chemotherapy cycle. So obtaining a blood count and platelet count is critical. Dr. Markan: An absolute neutrophil count of greater than 500/mm3, platelets greater than 50,000/mm3, and normal coagulation profile are my usual criteria to send patients for any kind of surgical procedure. Dr. Simon: Platelets should be at least 50,000/mm3 and the absolute neutrophils count should be around 1000/mm3. Dr. Suppiah: An absolute neutrophils count of greater than 500/mm3, platelets greater than 75,000/mm3 is my cutoff, but it may also depend upon the acuity of the situation, or the necessity of the procedure. Dr. Krol: For elective procedures, we require a platelet count of 100K or higher and normal INR. Emergent cases with lower counts are assessed individually with regard to whether transfusion should be given. Ab
