Information for the public
Other preoperative tests you might be offered
Other preoperative tests you might be offered
Pregnancy test
If you are a woman you may be asked if you could be pregnant. If there is a chance you could be pregnant you should have a pregnancy test because an anaesthetic and surgery can cause problems for an unborn baby.
Sickle cell test
You should be asked if you or any member of your family has sickle cell anaemia. This is because surgery and an anaesthetic can cause problems for someone with this condition.
If you have sickle cell anaemia, the nurse or doctor preparing you for surgery should work closely with your sickle cell care team to make sure you have the care you need.
HbA1c (blood sugar) test
You don't need this test if you don't have diagnosed diabetes.
If you have diabetes and have recently had an HbA1c test at your GP surgery, the results need to be included in the letter from your GP when you are referred to see a surgeon. Check with your GP or practice nurse about this. If you haven't been tested in the last 3 months you should be offered this test before surgery.