Running a CBC and electrolyte panel on a patient produces 0.3597kg CO2e (1.75km by car). Daily bloodwork seldom changes outcomes, exposes patients to harms (venipuncture associated pain, wake from sleep), and is associated with negative outcomes including anemia and need for transfusions. Routine and repetitive bloodwork can be safely discontinued through targeted interventions without increasing outcomes like re-admission, ICU admission, or mortality.
Sources:
Spoyalo K, Lalande A, Rizan C, Park S, Simons J, Dawe P, et al. Patient, hospital and environmental costs of unnecessary bloodwork: capturing the triple bottom line of inappropriate care in general surgery patients. BMJ open quality. 2023;12(3). PMID: 37402596.
Silverstein WK, Weinerman AS, Born K, Dumba C, Moriates CP. Reducing routine inpatient blood testing. BMJ. 2022;379:e070698. PMID: 36288811.