Duke Health requires patients to be tested prior to performing surgery or specific procedures. All adult and pediatric patients will be tested for COVID-19 no more than 72 hours ahead of the scheduled procedure. Please remind patients to stay home/avoid exposure as much as possible between the test and the procedure.

  • For negative tests: Procedure will take place as planned.
  • For positive tests: Procedure may be rescheduled to allow patient time to recover and repeat testing. If the surgery or procedure cannot be delayed, it will take place in a designated operating room and patient care area.
  • If a patient refuses testing prior to a scheduled procedure, our health care team will discuss available treatment alternatives for the patient to consider.

Perioperative Checklists

These hospital-specific instructions for pre- and post-surgery can be shared with patients planning to undergo surgery at:

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