Routine hemoglobin testing following an elective Cesarean section: is it necessary?

OBJECTIVE To determine the clinical relevance of routine hemoglobin testing following an elective Cesarean section. METHODS The charts of all women who underwent elective Cesarean section at a public teaching hospital during 2001 were reviewed for pre- and postoperative hemoglobin values, demographic data, indication for surgery and need for blood transfusion. RESULTS The study group included 383 patients. Mean (+/- SD) hemoglobin level was 12.24 +/- 1.09 g/dl prior to surgery and 10.87 +/- 1.2 g/dl after, a mean loss of 1.37 +/- 0.87 g/dl (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in blood loss by indication for surgery. None of the patients needed an intraoperative or postoperative blood transfusion. CONCLUSION Routine postoperative hemoglobin measurement after an uncomplicated elective Cesarean section in asymptomatic low-risk women is not necessary and should be eliminated.