Labs before a Ross and during hospital stay

[vhmoriarty]

Im trying to find out what types of labs will be done during pre and post op surgery. I just need a general guideline.

I am without insurance, however I will be receiving the surgery, stay, and post op care paid for. I will be responsible for the Labs (bloodwork) however.

So wasnt exactly sure if they even do lab work. I asked yesterday and the surgeon said there should not be any other than some regular labs going in....CBC, etc.

This I am sure would be the same with any valve choice. Any help will help me out. Thanks.

 

[Lynlw]

Beside the regular CBC and basic chemistry they will also do a type and cross for Blood during surgery (which I know is a couple hundred dollars). I hate to tell you this BUT they did ALOT of blood work during the whole stay expecially when you are still in CICU, they will do blood gases cbcs.

OR are you just talking about your resposible for blood work while you are out patient? IF that is the case, for the most part if you don't havea mech valve and need your INR tested there isn't usually bllodwork. Would it be possible to have your preeop blood work, (the majoruty of it) drawn after you are admitted and not as an out patient?

 

[vhmoriarty]

When I was pregnant with my daughter I had to receive a blood transfusion...so the hospital should have my cross type for blood...I should be able to get that , right? Its being done at the same hospital.

 

[Lynlw]

When I was pregnant with my daughter I had to receive a blood transfusion...so the hospital should have my cross type for blood...I should be able to get that , right? Its being done at the same hospital.

NO, they have your blood TYPE but still have to retype it and also run the antibody screen with each transfusion, or just to have blood crossmatched on hold for you if you need it during surgery. Also since you already had blood its even more important to check and make sure you didn't build antibodies because you got it. Actually they have to retype and run screening every time you are cross matched, even IF you get blood during that hospital stay ever 48-72 hours (don' t remeber the exact law now) you have to be typed and screen each time you need more bood.

BTW in the US for the most part the unit of blood itself is free, since most is donated BUT you still have to pay for all the testing ect, both on you and on the units of blood, even if you ende up not getting the blood.

 

[Lynlw]

This is from the UK and about general surgery, not specifically OHS, but the testing looks about right, (but some of the names or initals of the tests may be different) ALSO because you are child bearing age, they will do a pregnancy test and I believe coagulations studies (pt ptt) are pretty routine for OHS to make sure your clotting time is normal, so they won't be surprised if you have bleeding issues and they can plan for it.
http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/Pre-Operative-Assessment-Examination-and-Tests.htm
Full blood count (FBC)
This will demonstrate anaemia. This increases the risk of intra-operative hypoxia or increased cardiac workload. There is also an increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) or cerebrovascular event (CVE) and delayed healing. It is also useful as a baseline measure of haemoglobin if the proposed operation is expected to cause substantial blood loss.

Urea and electrolytes (U&E)
Detects underlying renal deficiency and possibility of developing acute renal failure (ARF) after major surgery. It may also influence the choice of drugs given within the anaesthetic.

Liver function tests (LFT)
Does the patient have any underlying malnutrition? This may affect the patient's ability to heal.

Calcium
Is there a suggestion of underlying malignancy?

Clotting
Clotting and platelet function is relevant for the many patients who take aspirin or warfarin. Also patients with known clotting disorders.

Group and save (or hold)
Anticipating that there may be a requirement for blood, but not routinely for this procedure, the patient's blood type is identified and held, pending a possible (later) request for units of blood or blood products.

Cross-match
A requirement for transfusion needs to be anticipated to avoid high demand/unavailable resource. The surgeon makes a prediction (in units of blood) for the procedure. That amount, typed specifically for that patient, is held in blood bank for 24 hours. The decision about whether to cross match serum or to order group and save should be judged on the current haematological status of the patient as well as the estimated blood loss.