What blood tests are critical before administering chemotherapy?

Before administering chemotherapy, it is essential to evaluate the patient's overall health and organ function, particularly focusing on their blood counts and liver function. A complete blood count (CBC) is critical as it reveals information about the patient's blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This information helps assess the patient's ability to tolerate chemotherapy, as chemotherapy can greatly affect bone marrow function and blood cell production.

Liver function tests are also crucial because many chemotherapy agents are metabolized in the liver. An impaired liver function can affect the clearance of the medication, potentially leading to increased toxicity or decreased efficacy of the treatment. Together, the CBC and liver function tests provide necessary information to ensure the patient is in a suitable state to safely receive chemotherapy and to tailor treatment appropriately based on test results.

This approach ensures that healthcare providers can identify any potential issues that could complicate treatment, as managing complications arises not only from the chemotherapy itself but also from the underlying health status of the patient.