Before knee replacement: what the surgeon needs to know
Knee replacement is a major operation, usually in people above 55 who often also have BP, diabetes or heart disease. The pre-op tests matter more here than in most surgeries.
The biggest fear after a joint replacement is infection of the new joint. So the surgeon wants to make sure there is no hidden infection anywhere, and that sugar is well controlled.
| Anaesthesia | Usually spinal anaesthesia, sometimes with a nerve block |
| 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 knee replacement: 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.
| HbA1c ₹600 | Very important. Many surgeons postpone joint replacement if HbA1c is high, because the infection risk rises sharply. |
| Urine routine (CUE) ₹200 | A hidden urine infection can seed bacteria into the new joint. It must be treated first. |
| Urine culture ₹1,100 | If the urine routine shows infection, to choose the right antibiotic. |
| 2D Echo ₹1,200 | Commonly asked in older patients and anyone with heart disease, BP or breathlessness. |
| CRP ₹550 | A baseline for inflammation, useful after surgery to watch for infection. |
| Vitamin D ₹1,350 | Low vitamin D is common and affects bone and muscle recovery. |
Points specific to knee replacement
- Get dental problems and any skin infection near the knee treated before the surgery date.
- Blood thinners like aspirin or clopidogrel may need to be stopped before surgery. Only your doctor should decide this.
- Both knees together is a bigger operation. The anaesthetist may ask for more tests.
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
Why does my orthopaedic surgeon want HbA1c?
Because high sugar is one of the biggest risk factors for infection in the new joint. Many surgeons prefer HbA1c below about 8% before a joint replacement. Your surgeon will tell you the target.
Do I need a 2D echo before knee replacement?
Often yes, if you are older, have BP, diabetes or heart symptoms, or your ECG is abnormal. The anaesthetist or physician decides.
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.
Related tests
Medically reviewed by Dr Raheel Raza, MBBS, DCP (Gandhi), Consultant Pathologist.