Since over 50% of all operations are performed on an outpatient basis, many patients are seen at a preoperative evaluation clinic. Consent forms for surgery and anesthesia are signed at this time. Not everyone requires a preoperative evaluation and those patients can be seen on the day of surgery. If you are to have a preoperative visit, there are certain tests that you may need. The number of tests depends on your age, medical history, planned surgery and your surgery/anesthesiology team. Some of the more common tests include a chest x-ray, electrocardiogram (EKG) and some blood tests to check your blood count, blood type, clotting ability and kidney function. It may seem like a vampire is sucking all the blood out of you but the few tubes of blood taken for tests will not compromise your health. These tests are very helpful to the anesthesiologist who will need the information to take the best care of you. Most of these exams are precautionary, for instance blood type in case there is a need for a transfusion, but it is better to be cautious and have this information before it is too late.

Speaking of blood type, it may be possible for you to donate a couple of units of your own, or autologous blood, in case you need it. This all depends on the type of surgery you are having and any underlying illness, e.g. cancer or blood disorders. There is a very small risk associated with re-infusing blood and for this reason, not all physicians routinely re-infuse donated or autologous blood. If there is no contraindication, then by all means, donate blood. You may even have a family member donate for you if you are the same type.