You may need to have lab work or other tests done before your surgery or treatment at UPMC Altoona. Your doctor will let you know when you should get any tests done and give you any other special instructions that you will need to follow.
Patients may be referred for pre-surgery bloodwork, which you may have done at any of our UPMC Altoona laboratory locations, or you may be referred to the surgical pre-testing department for an anesthesia consult. Patients who require an anesthesia consult can have any other pre-surgical bloodwork and testing completed at the hospital at the same time as their anesthesia appointment.
Surgical Pre-Testing
If your health history indicates the need for a pre-surgical anesthesia consult, your doctor will set one up for you or will provide instructions on how to schedule one.
The surgical pre-testing department is located on the 4th floor of the hospital and can be reached at 814-889-7603.
During your visit, an anesthesia provider will:
- Examine you
- Ask questions about your health
- Complete any tests required by your surgeon
Tests will vary, based on your health and type of surgery, but may include:
- Vital signs
- Blood or urine tests
- EKGs
- Chest x-rays
A nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or an anesthesiologist will review your medical records and discuss any recommendations for further testing, if needed. This appointment may take about an hour.