The standard pre-operative panel
Before any general anaesthetic, the anaesthetist requires a baseline picture of how your body will tolerate the operation. The minimum panel for an ASA I–II patient under 45 includes a full blood count, basic metabolic panel, coagulation studies (PT/aPTT/INR), HBsAg, anti-HCV and HIV serology.
Patients over 50, or those with cardiovascular history, also have an ECG and a chest X-ray. Diabetic patients require an HbA1c — values above 7.5% mean elective surgery is deferred until glycaemic control is improved.
What each test actually screens for
| Test | What it checks | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| FBC | Haemoglobin, white cells, platelets | Anaemia increases transfusion risk; low platelets affect clotting |
| U&E + LFT | Kidneys, electrolytes, liver | Drug metabolism and fluid balance during anaesthesia |
| Coagulation | PT, aPTT, INR | Bleeding risk — flags unknown von Willebrand disease, anticoagulant use |
| HbA1c | 3-month glucose average | Above 7.5% delays wound healing and increases infection risk |
| Infectious screen | HBV, HCV, HIV | Hospital and theatre team protection; not a barrier to surgery |
Doing tests at home vs in Istanbul
Most international patients arrange their bloods at home four to six weeks before surgery, send the results to the clinic, and the anaesthetist confirms whether anything needs to be repeated. A coagulation panel is often re-run on arrival because it is time-sensitive.
If you cannot arrange bloods at home, the clinic in Istanbul will book them on arrival day. Results return within four hours, and surgery proceeds the following morning. Plan to arrive at least 24 hours before the operating date.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Will I need to repeat my home bloods in Istanbul?+
Coagulation and a current FBC are usually repeated. Liver, kidney, glucose and infectious screens performed within six weeks are accepted without repeat.
What if a test comes back abnormal?+
Minor abnormalities (slight anaemia, mildly raised liver enzymes) are addressed with medication or dietary correction. Significant findings — uncontrolled diabetes, low platelets, untreated thyroid disease — postpone surgery until optimised.
Are infectious screen results disclosed to anyone?+
They remain confidential between you, your surgeon and the anaesthetist. They affect only theatre precautions, never the decision to operate.
How recent must my bloods be?+
Within six weeks of surgery for the metabolic panel and infectious screen; within two weeks for coagulation and FBC.
Explore further
Continue your research on the clinic site
Next step
Interested in learning whether this procedure is right for you?
Schedule a personalised consultation with Dr. Ümmü Gülsüm Barutcu in Istanbul to discuss your goals and receive a tailored treatment plan.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Gülsüm Barutcu
Dr. Ümmü Gülsüm Barutcu
Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon · Istanbul, Turkey
Dr. Barutcu cares for international patients with an emphasis on personalised planning, ethical decision-making and natural-looking outcomes. Her practice is built on patient safety, informed consent and an unhurried approach to every consultation.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
