Patient Education

What kinds of tests will I need before surgery? All patients are required to have routine blood work and urinalysis performed. These tests cannot be performed prior to 14 days before the scheduled surgery in order to be acceptable. In addition all patients are required to have a physical examination which can be performed at any time within 30 days of the surgical date. Patients over the age of 50 are required to have an EKG and chest x-ray performed within 30 days of the surgical date. Patients below the age of 50 with any cardiac or respiratory history may also be required to have these tests performed. Most pre-admission testing and physical evaluations can be performed either by the patient's personal physician or at the hospital where the procedure will be performed. PLEASE BE ADVISED that if an abnormal exam or test result is reported, you may need a further evaluation or repeat testing performed. This does not necessarily mean surgery is canceled, but for your own safety, further investigation of any abnormalities is the standard procedure.

Will I need to donate blood before surgery? Some surgeries do require the patient to donate blood if possible. If your physician requests blood donation, this can be done any time within 35 days of the surgical date. The number of units that can be donated prior to surgery will be discussed with the patient by their physician. When units of blood are donated, the patient's blood levels are monitored prior to each donation in order to assure the patient's safety. If the patient cannot donate his or her own blood, a designated donor, usually a family member or relative, may donate blood for the patient. This is done through the Red Cross Blood Donor Centers and the units then transported to the hospital for the patient's use. If a patient is unable to donate blood and there is no designated donor, the patient will receive blood from the hospital Blood Bank if necessary. The hospital follows universal guidelines in screening blood and blood products to ensure the patient's safety as much as possible in this situation.