Dear David,
Can be checked via API.
There is a method that returns the number of elements in the Surface, or returns the "Return code" that there are no elements connected to the Surface.
Maybe this will help you.
Dear David,
The trick I do is to play with ERASE MODE: simply use SELECT SURFACES command and use METHOD^ > FROM ELEMENT > SELECT VISIBLE > OK and all elements associated with the selected surfaces & proper surfaces will be erased from the screen: any surface missing to mesh will be visible in the screen, then you will see it inmediately, OK?.