Pre-Op testing with no bloodwork

[teller80]

I have to have surgery, it's fairly extensive (at least in my mind, it's probably no big deal to the surgeon). I'm in my mid-50's and other than that I'm pretty healthy.

I went for my pre-op testing the other day, and all they did was an ekg. Is it common not to do bloodwork as well? The last time I had labs done was September or October, and while I've never had abnormal results I just assumed they would want new ones.

Any thoughts?

 

[mjkacmom]

Hmm, DH is having a super simple surgery this week (just a local), and he needed blood work. However, ds14 just had a surgery where he had to be put under for about 45 minutes, no blood work.

 

[Jennasis]

I have had surgery with zero pre-op labs or workup. Sometimes they just have you answer a questionaire. Depends on the doctor and the surgery.

 

[BellePrincessBelle]

With my last 2 surgeries I have had no pre op testing of any kind.

 

[lsyorke]

It usually depends on any existing medical conditions and type of surgery. If someone is healthy, taking no medications blood work most likely isn't necessary. Hospital's usually require it as part of their routine work up, out patient center have criteria for determining if it's needed.

 

[Poohforyou]

The last surgery I had only required an ekg.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

If you feel you need bloodwork & prescreen prior to major surgery, you can always go to your primary doc if you have concerns. Seriously consider it if you do have an issue.

It is UP TO YOU to watch out for yourself and push it. The surgeon is only making sure you are healthy enough for surgery. Pretty much at 50 it is assumed you are healthy.

 

[willowsnn3]

When I had hip replacement surgery last December, my surgeon's office sent me to my primary care doctor for blood work and required that I go to a cardiologist for an ekg. Since I was a new patient for that cardiologlist, he made me do a nuclear stress test also. Such fun. Then I had to meet with the anesthieologist (?) and they had blood work done also.
Having the other hip done in July and already have those same appointments set up again.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I'm going with hospital policy first. Then it's at the discretion of the physician depending on the procedure.

All of our patients go to our PAT office and along with testing they meet with anesthesiology and have a History and Physical done by the NP. Everyone requires at least a CBC, even children. Men over 40 require an EKG. Women over 50 require an EKG. Everyone over 60 requires a chest xray. Blood work depends on procedure, age, health condition and any habits you may have (excessive drinking, smoking, drug use).

I work in surgery so we do pretty invasive procedures so everyone gets a CBC with diff, CMP, PT/PTT/INR, urine culture and Type and screen. Even if it's a smaller procedure we order just about the same thing. We also require medical clearance on just about everyone. Only exception is if you are under about 30 and in good health AND all of your testing comes back normal. Cardiac clearances are required for patients who already see a cardiologist, smokers and anyone with an abnormal EKG.

Bloodwork is good for 90 days, EKG 6 months and Chest xray 1 year.

 

[AquamarineSteph]

If you are concerned, you could call the surgeon's office and ask a nurse? That way you'd know that your concerns were addressed by the office handling the surgery.

 

[teller80]

Thanks everyone for the replies, I feel better knowing it's not just me that didn't get bloodwork. Makes me feel good that they think I'm pretty healthy!

 

[adisneyaunt]

I say ...knowing ur healthy and assuming ur healthy are vastly different things. Always go with ur gut and self advocate. If I didnt have a current blood work up in 6 mos I'd atleast Ask why it's not needed or required before a surgical procedure.
Best of luck!

 

[North of Mouse]

With my Dr's record, all I had to do was answer questions over the phone for pre-op, (gallbladder).