Before C-section: what the surgeon needs to know
A caesarean section is one of the most common operations in India. Most are done under spinal anaesthesia, where the needle goes into the lower back. For that, the anaesthetist needs to know that your platelets and clotting are normal, because bleeding near the spine is dangerous.
Your obstetrician will also want your haemoglobin, blood group and infection status on file before the day. Blood loss in a C-section is more than in a normal delivery, so blood may need to be kept ready.
| Anaesthesia | Usually spinal anaesthesia; general anaesthesia in some emergencies |
| Basic tests | Major Surgical Profile, ₹2,500 |
| Report time | 3 hours from sample collection, 24/7 |
| Fasting | Not needed for the profile |
Step 1: the Major Surgical Profile
Almost every surgeon and anaesthetist asks for these basic tests before C-section: CBC, ESR, LFT, blood urea, serum creatinine, electrolytes, random blood sugar, PT/INR, BT/CT, HIV, HBsAg, HCV, blood group, TSH, ECG and chest X-ray. We do all of them in one visit for ₹2,500, with the report in 3 hours. See why each test matters.
Step 2: extra tests your surgeon may add
Depending on your age, health and the hospital's protocol, your surgeon may ask for some of these as well. They are not part of the profile and are charged separately.
| Urine routine (CUE) ₹200 | To check for a urine infection, which is common in late pregnancy and must be treated before surgery. |
| VDRL (syphilis screen) Ask us | Many hospitals ask for it along with HIV, HBsAg and HCV as part of the antenatal infection screen. |
| HbA1c ₹600 | If you had diabetes in pregnancy (GDM) or diabetes before pregnancy, to see how well sugar has been controlled. |
Points specific to C-section
- Platelets (in the CBC), PT/INR and BT/CT are the tests the anaesthetist looks at first before a spinal.
- If your blood group is Rh negative, tell your doctor. You may need an anti-D injection after delivery.
- If your haemoglobin is low, the obstetrician may plan iron or blood before the surgery. Do not wait until the last week to find out.
- Most of these tests are often done earlier in pregnancy. Ask your doctor which ones need repeating close to the date.
Your surgeon and anaesthetist decide the final list. If you have one, send us a photo on WhatsApp and we will do exactly those tests and tell you the total first.
Frequently asked questions
Are these tests safe in pregnancy?
Yes. The blood tests are simple blood draws. The chest X-ray is usually not needed in pregnancy and is done only if your doctor specifically asks for it, with an abdominal shield. Tell our staff that you are pregnant before any X-ray.
My C-section is an emergency. Should I come to you first?
No. In an emergency, go straight to your hospital. They will take the samples there. This profile is for a planned C-section, or when the hospital asks you to get the tests done before admission.
How close to the C-section date should the tests be done?
Usually within the last one to two weeks before the planned date, but your obstetrician decides. If your date is tomorrow, we can still give you the report in 3 hours.
How fast will I get the report?
In 3 hours from the time we take your sample, at any hour of the day or night, including Sundays and holidays. The report comes on WhatsApp, and you can collect a print at the centre.
How much do the extra tests cost?
The Major Surgical Profile is ₹2,500. Extra tests are added at our standard price, shown in the table on this page. Send us your surgeon's list on WhatsApp and we will tell you the exact total before you come.
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Medically reviewed by Dr Raheel Raza, MBBS, DCP (Gandhi), Consultant Pathologist.