Also part of the UPMC family:
Thank you for trusting UPMC with your care. Your doctor has asked that you complete a screening for COVID-19 before your surgery/procedure.
We know that there are an unknown number of people who do not have symptoms during an active COVID-19 infection. We call this “asymptomatic." Screening patients who do not have symptoms but carry the virus may be important for some procedures. It helps to determine if we should delay the procedure and to understand the risks of the procedure should you become sick later.
Your doctor recommends that you have this screening done. If you choose not to, you may still be able to have your procedure. However, it will depend on further discussion with your doctor.
If you screen positive, you and your doctor will talk about your specific situation and make the best decision for you. You will decide together whether to delay or move forward with your procedure. If you have the procedure, we will take steps to keep everyone as safe as possible using all precautions.
Next Steps
You will call to schedule your screen to be done at a UPMC COVID-19 specimen collection site (testing center) three to four days before your procedure. See below for specimen collection sites.
3 to 4 days before your procedure
Go to a UPMC COVID-19 specimen collection site.
What to expect:
- The screening is quick. A bendable cotton-tipped swab will be placed into your nose and moved to the back of your throat, taking about 15 seconds.
- Overall, the screening should take less than one minute to complete, and you will likely spend less than 10 to 20 minutes in the specimen collection center.
- We assure you that the specimen collection sites are safe. The staff doing the swab will be wearing facemasks, gowns, and gloves. All facilities are safe and sanitized regularly.
What happens next?
- If negative: You will not hear from us, and you will continue with your scheduled procedure.
- If positive: Your surgeon or doctor will reach out to you to discuss.
- If you have an active MyUPMC account, you will be able to view the results within a day or two. If you do not, you can download the MyUPMC app from the app store or visit MyUPMC.com to sign up.
- You will not be responsible for any out-of-pocket costs related to this screening.
1 day before your procedure
You will either receive a call from, or you will be asked to call, the pre-procedure department to confirm your arrival time for the day of your procedure.
Remember:
- If you develop symptoms between today and your procedure, please call your surgeon or doctor. Symptoms could include a cough, shortness of breath, and fever.
- You will not be responsible for any out-of-pocket costs related to this screening.
- You must be 13 years of age or older to be screened.
Call your preferred specimen collection site and provide the following information. Let them know you are calling to schedule “asymptomatic" COVID-19 screening.
