In addition to the key laboratory tests, the package includes an ECG and can be supplemented with a chest X-ray if required. The discounted package is available exclusively for surgical procedures performed at RMC Clinics.

Why is a preoperative assessment important?

Assessing a patient’s current health is essential before surgery. Preoperative tests help identify any abnormalities and risk factors that may affect the safe planning of the procedure or anaesthesia.

Laboratory and other diagnostic results provide important information about blood cell production, blood clotting, kidney function and metabolism, among other things. Based on these results, the treating physician and anaesthetist can determine whether further tests or preparation are needed before surgery.

We developed the RMC Clinics preoperative laboratory package to give our patients convenient access to the most commonly required tests at a discounted package price.

What does the preoperative laboratory package include?

Comprehensive routine laboratory panel

A comprehensive routine laboratory panel provides an overview of how the body is functioning. It includes assessments of blood cell counts, blood glucose levels, liver and kidney function, and certain metabolic parameters. The results can help identify abnormalities that may require further attention during preparation for surgery.

Blood typing and antibody screening

Blood typing and screening for irregular red blood cell antibodies may be important in preparing for a safe blood transfusion. These tests are particularly relevant for procedures where blood products may be needed.

INR test

The INR test provides information about the blood-clotting system. It can help identify certain clotting abnormalities, which may also contribute to assessing the risk of bleeding during surgery. This test may be particularly important for patients taking anticoagulants, but the result is always interpreted in the context of the patient’s individual health and the planned procedure.

TSH test

The TSH test helps assess thyroid function. Thyroid disorders can affect the body’s metabolism and preparation for surgery, making their detection important in certain cases.

ECG

Electrocardiography (ECG) assesses the electrical activity of the heart. It can help detect certain heart rhythm disorders and other abnormalities related to heart function. The test is quick and painless and can provide important additional information for assessing surgical risks.

Optional chest X-ray

A chest X-ray is available as an optional addition to the preoperative laboratory package. It is used to examine structures within the chest, particularly the lungs and the area around the heart. It is not required before every operation, so the treating physician decides whether it is needed based on the planned procedure and individual risk factors.

Preoperative testing is available at RMC Clinics in two packages:

1. Preoperative laboratory package

• Comprehensive routine laboratory panel
• Blood typing and antibody screening
• INR
• TSH
• ECG

2. Preoperative laboratory package with chest X-ray

• All tests included in the preoperative laboratory package
• Chest X-ray

The packages offer a lower overall price than having each test performed separately.

Important! The preoperative laboratory packages are available exclusively for surgical procedures to be performed at RMC Clinics. The discounted packages are not available for preoperative assessments for surgery planned at other healthcare institutions.

How should you prepare for preoperative tests?

Proper preparation for your preoperative assessment helps ensure reliable results and a smooth preparation process for surgery.

Some laboratory tests may require a fasting blood sample, so please check the exact preparation requirements when booking your appointment. Inform your treating physician about any medication you take regularly, and only make changes to your medication as instructed by a doctor.

An ECG generally requires no special preparation. If you are having a chest X-ray, it is important to let the staff know if you are pregnant or could be pregnant.

The tests must always be scheduled in relation to the planned date of surgery.

What should you keep in mind about your preoperative assessment?

The exact scope of the preoperative assessment depends on the type of procedure, the anaesthesia to be used, your medical history and your current health. Additional diagnostic tests or specialist consultations may be needed alongside the tests included in the package.

Under RMC Clinics’ preoperative requirements, the results of the tests included in the package must be less than 7 days old on the date of the procedure. It is therefore particularly important to plan your assessment around your scheduled surgery date.

The individual instructions provided by your surgeon or anaesthetist always take precedence.

At RMC Clinics, we aim to make preparing for surgery as simple and straightforward as possible. Our discounted preoperative laboratory packages allow you to have the key tests performed together at a favourable price. We have designed these packages specifically for patients preparing for surgery at RMC Clinics. Your surgeon will always advise you on exactly which tests you need and when they should be performed.

If you are preparing for surgery at RMC Clinics, ask about our discounted laboratory packages and book an appointment for the necessary tests!