Before Your Stay at UPMC Mercy

The preadmission testing area evaluates, assesses, and educates patients for a safe and successful experience at UPMC Mercy.

During the preadmission process, a team of nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, anesthesiologists, and other health care providers work together to gather information about your medical and surgical history before your surgery.

Preadmission Testing Center Location, Hours, and Services

We are located in Room 1106, directly off the bridge level of the parking garage.

For more information, call 412-232-8255.

Laboratory services

• Monday through Friday – 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday – 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Physical exams

• Monday through Friday – 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To schedule a physical, call 412-232-7540.

What to Bring

Please bring the following to your preadmission visit:

• Your medical and surgical history.
• List of all prescription and over-the-counter medications.
• List of all allergies.
• Names and telephone numbers of your current primary care provider and other medical specialists involved in your health care.

What to Expect

During your visit, a nurse practitioner or physician assistant will:

• Examine you.
• Ask you questions about your health.
• Complete any tests required by your doctor.

These tests may 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 up to two hours. We will validate your parking during your visit.

A nurse will complete a telephone assessment 24 to 72 hours before surgery.

He or she will provide you with:

• Dietary instructions.
• What medications to take the day of surgery.
• Any other information you need before your surgery.

Please have your list of medications and your medical history ready to discuss with the nurse. Allow 20 minutes for the phone assessment.

The night before your surgery, do not drink any alcoholic beverages.

Advance Directive

If you have not already done so, you may want to consider drafting an advance directive before your surgery or admission to the hospital.

An advance directive is a written document that expresses your wishes for medical care if you become incompetent or incapacitated.

These include:

• Living wills
• Health care agents
• Powers of attorney

Learn more about advance directives.

Please review the following guidelines for your day of surgery at UPMC Mercy:

1. If you are instructed to take a medication, do so with a small sip of water.
2. If you have sleep apnea, bring your CPAP machine with you.
3. Wear loose comfortable clothing; button-down shirts are best.
4. If you wear dentures or a hearing aid, bring storage cases for them.
5. You must remove all body piercings.
6. Do not wear nail polish or makeup.
7. Do not wear hair spray, scented body lotion, or perfume.
8. No chewing gum or candy the day of surgery.
9. All valuables and jewelry — including watches, wedding rings, necklaces, and earrings — should be left at home.
10. You must be accompanied by a responsible person over the age of 18 who will be able to drive you home, and a responsible adult should be available to assist at home for the first 24 hours after surgery.