In planning to undergo a procedure like plastic surgery, there are many things you need to take care of. One of these is the pre-surgery preparation and checklists. In addition to providing information on what steps to take before and after surgery, your medical team will likely explain what blood tests you need
to get done before the procedure. We understand that this might seem a bit confusing initially, especially if this is your first time going under anesthesia for plastic surgery. However, there are good reasons why this is standard protocol for any surgical procedure that invokes local or general anesthesia. These tests are crucial indicators of whether or not you are safe for surgery and healthy enough for it.
What are pre-anesthesia blood tests?
Pre-anesthesia blood tests are performed before going under anesthesia for surgery. They are primarily committed to determining the levels of various medications and substances within your blood that could interfere with the safe conduct of the surgery. These substances include: - Infectious agents like bacteria and viruses - Blood-borne diseases like hepatitis and HIV - Blood clots - Hematocrit and hemoglobin levels - Metabolites such as oxygen and potassium levels Pre-anesthesia blood tests may also help in assessing your general health status and be a part of an ongoing health assessment program. For example, your physician may recommend a liver function test to check for signs of fatty liver disease, which is common among people who drink alcohol excessively.
Why are pre-anesthesia blood tests performed?
Blood tests help determine if you are healthy enough for surgery. They also help your surgeon determine how much anesthesia to give you. Blood tests are performed to ensure that your blood is healthy and there are no infections. Having blood tests before surgery will help your doctor decide the type and amount of anesthesia you need. Depending on the surgery, you may need a general anesthetic to put you completely to sleep or an epidural that numbs your lower body. Pre-anesthesia blood tests help your surgeon determine how much anesthesia you need before surgery. If your blood tests show that you are healthy, then your doctor may decide to administer a mild dose of anesthesia. If your blood tests indicate a specific medical condition, your doctor may give you a heavier amount of anesthesia.
Which Blood Tests Are Performed Before Going Under Anesthesia for Plastic Surgery?
Depending on your health history and surgeon’s preferences, you might be required to undergo some or all of the following blood tests: - Complete Blood Count (CBC) - Blood Type/Rh Type/ABO grouping - Infectious Disease Assessment - Chemistry Panel - Liver Function Test - Urinalysis - Electrolyte Level - HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) - Pregnancy Test - Other Tests Depending on your specific situation, the doctor may ask you to undergo additional blood tests.
Bottom line
Pre-anesthesia blood tests are performed to determine if you are healthy enough for surgery. Depending on your health history and surgeon’s preferences, you might be required to undergo some or all of the following blood tests: - Complete Blood Count (CBC) - Blood Type/Rh Type/ABO grouping - Infectious Disease Assessment - Chemistry Panel - Liver Function Test - Urinalysis - Electrolyte Level - HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) - Pregnancy Test These blood tests provide crucial information about your health and help your doctor select an appropriate amount of anesthesia for you. If you are planning to undergo plastic surgery, it is essential to understand why these blood tests are an important part of the pre-operative process.