The prevalence of anaemia in children presenting for elective surgical and diagnostic procedures requiring sedation or general anaesthesia at two tertiary hospitals in Johannesburg

There is a notable prevalence of preoperative anaemia in paediatric patients in this South African middle income country. Children under the age of 5 years have the highest prevalence overall. The majority of patients have mild anaemia. Identifying anaemia at the surgical visit provides a valuable opportunity for health education and promotion.