What is the significance of checking laboratory results before chemotherapy administration?

Checking laboratory results before chemotherapy administration is crucial primarily to assess the patient's eligibility for treatment. This step is important because certain laboratory values, such as blood counts, liver and kidney function tests, and electrolyte levels, can significantly influence the patient's ability to tolerate chemotherapy.

For instance, a low white blood cell count may indicate an increased risk of infection, while abnormal liver function tests could suggest that the patient may not metabolize the chemotherapy drugs effectively. If a patient's laboratory results do not meet the required parameters, it may delay treatment or necessitate modifications to the chemotherapy plan to ensure patient safety.

In contrast, confirming the type of cancer, evaluating the effectiveness of previous treatments, and determining costs, while relevant in the broader context of cancer care, do not directly address the immediate safety and suitability of chemotherapy administration. These factors play a role in the overall treatment plan but are not the primary purpose of checking laboratory results prior to chemotherapy.