Pre-admission testing is required for:
• All elective surgery including those performed under local anaesthetic
• All planned elective medical admissions including IV infusions and venesection
• Any carers remaining with the patient for their admission
All elective procedures undertaken at Bendigo Day Surgery require a negative test within 48 hours of the procedure.
We accept both negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) and PCR (swab) results that have been undertaken up to 48 hours ahead of admission. Consider doing the RAT prior to starting any pre-operative activities such as fasting, bowel preparation, or pre-op medications.
A RAT result screenshot or image with a date stamp must be provided on admission. If that is not possible, please write the date and time of your Rapid Antigen Test on the back of the test plate and bring it in with you in a clear sealed bag.
Any patient who is unable to obtain a RAT should undergo PCR testing. PCR testing must occur between 24 – 48 hours prior to admission to allow time for the return of results. Currently public testing sites are turning away patients for pre-op screening. Melbourne Pathology still offer asymptomatic pre-operative screening. If you did not receive a pathology slip from your doctor, you can get one from the reception staff at Bendigo Day Surgery and attend the Melbourne Pathology clinic upstairs.
If the result has not returned in time for surgery, additional screening and testing will be considered to avoid delay/cancellation and will be provided as part of our admitting process.
All patients will undergo the usual COVID-19 screening questionnaire on admission.
Bendigo Day Surgery is unable to provide pre-admission Rapid Antigen Tests to patients.
All patients, regardless of whether they are submitting a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) or PCR test, should isolate after the test.
If there are any queries, or you return a positive result, please contact Bendigo Day Surgery on 5444 3533