Do I need an EKG test pre-op?

Unless your surgery is scheduled at the doctor's own office facility (and even if it is, if the "requirements" for pre-op screening tests such as an EKG are set by the anesthesia provider, not your surgeon), the hospital or surgical center (actually the anesthesia providers who work at these facilities) decide what tests are "required" before surgery. Each facility may have certain differences, but the goals are ostensibly the same: the idea is that you want a healthy patient with "no surprises" when s/he is anesthetized, and that a pre-operative screening, history, physical examination, and tests as necessary all help to ensure the highest likelihood of having a safe anesthetic experience, and a patient that "wakes up" at the end of the surgery! Especially for ELECTIVE surgery.

You are young and (probably) quite healthy, so unless there is something in your medical history to suggest a need for additional tests, all we would require is a Hemoglobin (and we can do that at our surgical facility). No EKG is required until age 50 or with a history of heart disease.

Ask your surgeon what gives? This is really (probably) unnecessary and foolish! Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

When you are 19 and healthy without any serious medical conditions, typically a blood count and pregnancy test would be sufficient testing. An EKG is not necessary in a young patient with no history of heart trouble. Perhaps you can call to discuss the need with your surgeon.

I would concur with previous opinions. There is no need for and EKG or labwork in someone your age group unless you are on medications or have a strong history of heart problems in your family.

Thank you for your question. In our office, we require an EKG for any patient over the age of 50 going through a procedure with general anesthesia AND/OR any patient that has a medical condition or history that would warrant additional testing. We do however, require blood testing before any procedure requiring a general anesthesia. I would check back with your surgeons office to confirm that they are requesting an EKG for your case. If they confirm that an EKG is required, you should look at a cardiologists office (which you can google for the area that you will be in). Check around as pricing varies, however, the cardiologists office that we use charges a cash based price of $55 for our patients. I hope this helps.

It is not normal for a healthy young patient like yourself to have an EKG prior to having surgery. You would have to have a history of some type of cardiac problem. I would call and make sure that your doctor is actually asking for this test or if this was a mix up.