General
woolworth's test
What does woolworth's test mean?
British anaesthetists' gut-check before putting a patient under: if you can imagine them shuffling round Woolworth's picking up a kettle, they're robust enough for a general. If the mental image is a stretcher and an oxygen mask, rethink. Pure vibes-based medicine — and surprisingly reliable. The US equivalent swaps in Wal-Mart now that Woolies is dead.
"ASA grade aside, she failed the Woolworth's Test the moment she couldn't lift her own bag."
Origin
UK anaesthesia slang dating to when Woolworth's was the everyday British high-street fixture (chain collapsed 2008).
Frequently asked questions
What does the Woolworth's Test mean?
It's an informal eyeball assessment of whether a patient is fit for anaesthetic — essentially, could you picture them browsing Woolworth's?
How do you use Woolworth's Test in a sentence?
"She passed the Woolworth's Test, so we're good to proceed with the operation."
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