Pre-operative (pre-op) appointments typically include a physical exam (vitals, heart/lung check) and targeted tests to assess safety for anesthesia and surgery. Common tests include CBC, metabolic panels (kidney/liver), coagulation studies, ECG, and sometimes chest X-rays, depending on the patient’s age and health. These diagnostics identify underlying risks that could lead to surgical complications if not addressed beforehand.
At Sahara West Urgent Care, we perform these essential pre-op tests in a single visit. Our on-site lab and diagnostic tools allow for rapid results, ensuring your surgeon has the data needed to keep your procedure on schedule.
Common Laboratory and Diagnostic Pre-Op Tests
Surgical teams use a “targeted” approach to testing based on your medical history and the complexity of the procedure. Common evaluations include:
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Complete Blood Count (CBC): Checks for anemia (low red blood cells), which can affect oxygen delivery, and high white blood cell counts, which may indicate an active infection.
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Basic or Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (BMP/CMP): Assesses electrolyte balance and evaluates how well your kidneys and liver are functioning, which is critical for processing anesthesia.
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Coagulation Studies (PT/INR/PTT): Measures how quickly your blood clots to prevent excessive bleeding during or after surgery.
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Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): Monitors heart rhythm to detect silent heart disease or arrhythmias that might be stressed by surgical procedures.
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Urinalysis: Screens for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and markers of unmanaged diabetes.
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Pregnancy Test: Standard for women of childbearing age to ensure the safety of both the patient and the fetus during anesthesia.
The Diagnostic Process: Why an Exam is Required
A physical exam is the foundation of the clearance process. You cannot skip the exam for labs alone because the provider must clinically correlate your test results with your current health. To ensure safety, our team at Sahara West Urgent Care may perform:
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Airway Assessment: Checking for anatomical factors that could make intubation difficult.
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Cardiopulmonary Auscultation: Listening to your heart and lungs for murmurs or wheezing.
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Vitals Baseline: Establishing your “normal” blood pressure and heart rate before the stress of surgery.
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History Review: Discussing allergies, past reactions to anesthesia, and current supplement use.
Why Choose Sahara West Urgent Care for Your Pre-Op Tests?
Hospital-based labs can be slow and expensive. Sahara West Urgent Care prioritizes both speed and clinical excellence, offering a better experience for surgical patients:
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On-Site Diagnostics: We carry out EKGs, X-rays, and blood draws at our facility, so you don’t have to visit multiple locations.
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Insurance & Self-Pay Options: We accept most major insurance plans and offer transparent pricing for self-pay patients to keep your pre-op costs manageable.
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No Long Wait Times: Skip the 3-week wait for a primary care appointment. We offer walk-ins and same-day scheduling for pre-op clearance.
Need your pre-op tests completed quickly? Visit Sahara West Urgent Care today. We provide all the necessary screenings and physical exams to help you get cleared for surgery safely and efficiently. Book your appointment online or walk in today.
