Question:
Pre Op Pregnancy Testing, Does the Hospital Do One?

I'm a week away from my surgery, so I'm really paraniod right now, but I'm late for my period (which I know could be caused by the stress) and I just had my pre-op appointment and I was wondering if anyone might know if in all that testing they do a pregnancy test too? If anyone has any idea, I'd appreciate it. Thank you!!    — Alicia B. (posted on February 23, 2003)

February 22, 2003
The hospital system I work for has a standard policy to do a urine pregnancy test before andy surgery. I think your hospital might do the same. It's cheap to do and can prevent a lot of lawsuits ( and damage to an unborn baby) if a pregnancy test is done. If they don't, tell the nurse you are late and ask to have a pregnancy test done. They will likely go along with it. You could always do a test at home to help ease your mind. Be prepared for your period to start after surgery. If you aren't pregnant, you will probably need what ever products you like to use. The hospital has pads, but they are generally the stuff that is purchased in bulk and are usually thick.
   — koogy

February 22, 2003
Yes mine did. I was paranoid about getting a positive result also.. even though my chance of getting pregnant is next to none. It would have been just my luck! Good luck!!
   — SarahC

February 22, 2003
They didn't test me because I signed off on it--there was no way I could be pregnant because I had just had my period. . .otherwise they would have tested me.
   — Sarah S.

February 22, 2003
YES-my hospital did one--because I was also getting my tubes tied--the last time I went to get my tubes tied, I WAS pregnant (unbeknownst to me), so the surgery was scratched--until this last time when I had open RNY AND the tubal.
   — Wannabe A.

February 22, 2003
I just had shoulder surgery at the hospital where I work and even though I told them there was NO possible way I could be pregnant, they said it was hospital policy to give every pre-op woman of child-bearing age a blood test for pregnancy unless they had undergone a hysterectomy, tubal ligation, or had gone through menopause. No exceptions. That's probably the case with most hospitals.
   — gvlgal

February 22, 2003
My hospital did a pregnancy test on me on the morning of surgery, explaining to me that anesthesia could harm a developing baby...better to be safe than sorry. If you are really nervous and have ANY possibility of pregnancy, go get yourself a test from the drug store and either put your mind at ease or you'll have to make a serious decision, depending on the results. Either way, good Luck and Have a Sparkling Day!! ~CAE~
   — Mustang

February 22, 2003
I had the same experience as the others - did a pregnancy test right before surgery. I told it was a waste because I have been on Depo Provers since 1995 and not involved lately so it would have to be an immaculate conception, but they did it anyway. Whatever made them happy. <p>If I was you I would call your ob/gyn and get s serum blood pregnancy test done asap. You don't want to be all ready for surgery only to have it cancelled that morning. At least that's what I would do for peace of mind. you are absolutely right that skipping could be from stress, but be sure.
   — zoedogcbr

February 23, 2003
In just reading all the rest of the posts it brought up something I never thought about. I have had 9 surgeries between 1994 and 2000, not including my WLS in 2003. Three of them were general anesthesia and the rest locals. I do not ever remember being checked for pregnancy before. They must have just assumed because I was on BCP's or Depo Provera it was fine. In reality I'm sure I would have been but I don't even remember them asking me, but maybe they did. I guess it's always better to be safe especially when it can affect the outcome of a growing human being.
   — zoedogcbr

February 23, 2003
it might not be routine, but if you tell the hospital staff that you have concerns i am sure they will act on it. why wait? call your surgeon and ask him to give you a lab request and get to the lab! good luck
   — nan K.

February 23, 2003
My hospital would not let me anywhere NEAR the OR without a urine pregnancy test. The kicker was that I was in the third day of my period...there was obviously NO WAY that I was pregnant. They didn't care...said it was standard procedure and it was required.
   — Amy W.

February 23, 2003
Yes i had one done a week before surgery and the day of surgery and i had my tubes tied 10 years ago. But ask just to make sure.
   — qtalleycat68

February 23, 2003
Alicia - Yes, they will do a pregnancy test. My doctor requires a negative pregnancy test within 72 hours of surgery. If it would help your nerves, you can take a home pregnancy test. They are very accurate.
   — Lisa Marie C.

February 24, 2003
I will be going for my pre-ops in a few weeks and noticed they requested a pregnancy test. I called them to scratch that test and they said it's mandatory. I know they're looking out for my welfare, but I had a complete hysterectomy at the same hospital 2 years ago. They can do it if they wish, but I've notified insurance not to pay for it. Sounds stupid to some I'm sure...but I'm really NOT pregnant, or I will be one very wealthy woman (from science observations). But...I see that some think they are not pregnant just because they have their period. NOTHING could be more unreliable. Having your period while pregnant is not unheard of by any means. Please don't let that be your determination. Good luck!
   — Diane S.

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