Pre-Op Laboratory Panel

After reviewing your medical history, medications, and the requirements of your surgeon and anesthesia team, Dr. Golian builds a panel tailored to you. Commonly included studies are a complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia or infection and a complete metabolic panel (CMP) to assess kidney function, electrolytes, and liver health.

Depending on your situation, the panel may add coagulation testing, blood typing, an HbA1c if you live with type 2 diabetes, or thyroid and other targeted labs. The blood itself is collected through a simple venipuncture, and results are reviewed promptly so any concern can be addressed before your date.

Some pre-op tests require fasting while others do not, so Dr. Golian will tell you in advance whether to avoid food or drink and for how long. Bring an up-to-date list of your medications and supplements, as a careful medication review helps interpret your results accurately.

If you take blood thinners or have a chronic condition such as high blood pressure, mention it early so we can time your testing appropriately. Staying well hydrated, unless instructed to fast from fluids, makes the blood draw smoother and more comfortable.

Once results are back, Dr. Golian reviews every value and shares what it means for your surgery in plain language. If a result needs attention, such as anemia or an elevated glucose, she works with you to optimize it and coordinates directly with your surgical and anesthesia teams, including specialists at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles when your procedure is performed there.

If any finding calls for further evaluation, she arranges timely specialist referral and coordination so nothing delays your surgery date. After your procedure, that same continuity carries into your post-operative follow-up.