Scheduling Surgery

Your surgeon will let you know if you are required to obtain a history and physical exam performed by your child’s primary care physician. If it is required, when the surgery date is set, schedule a pre-surgical physical to be completed approximately 7-14 days before surgery. Any necessary lab work should be done at that time as well. 

Your child’s surgeon may request certain lab tests be done. Results must be faxed to the surgical scheduling coordinator at least one week before the surgery.

Tests may be done by:

• The primary care physician at the time of the pre-operative physical
• The Clinical Lab at Children’s National (if your insurance allows)
• An insurance-contracted lab

Learn more about Children's National Clinical Lab blood draw service.

Children’s National offers a Directed Donor Program, which allows family members or friends to donate blood to be used during the patient’s hospital stay and/or for procedures. There is no evidence that blood from directed donors is safer than from regular volunteer donors, but this service is frequently requested by parents. 

Children's National Blood Donor Center hours:

• Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Call 202-476-KIDS to schedule an appointment.

Some families hold religious beliefs that prevent their acceptance of whole blood and, sometimes, other blood products. Children’s National is committed to the care of all its patients, regardless of their religious beliefs. If you have a religious objection to the use of blood transfusions for your child, please discuss this with your surgeon well in advance of surgery.