The purpose of pre-admission testing (PAT) is to prepare your child for heart surgery and hospitalization. During the PAT visit, we will discuss the plan for your child’s surgery, including what you and your child can expect on the day of surgery and throughout hospitalization.

We are here to answer any questions that you or your child have. If you are more comfortable with a language other than English, we will arrange to have a translator for you. Let us know

your language preference when you schedule your PAT appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pre-Admission Testing

What should I do if I have questions about PAT day?

For any questions or concerns, please call the Children’s Heart Center at
(212) 241-8213 or 1-844-PEDS-NYC (1-844-733-7692).

Where do I go for pre-admissions testing?

The PAT appointment takes place at the Children’s Heart Center, located at Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital, 1468 Madison Avenue at 100th Street, Annenberg Building, Third Floor.

Once you enter The Mount Sinai Hospital, our welcome/security staff can direct you to the Annenberg Building elevators.

If you are on the main corridor (MC on the elevator) level of the hospital, follow the signs for the Annenberg Building. The hallway will have a green stripe along the wall.

If you are on street level, the Annenberg elevators are located to the left of the atrium.

Once you find the Annenberg elevators, take them to the third floor and follow signs to the Children’s Heart Center. Check in at the Children’s Heart Center front desk to let us know you’ve arrived.

When does the PAT take place?

We typically do pre-admissions testing about five days before surgery. The appointment begins at 8 am, and we recommend arriving around 7:30 am so you have time to register.

How long does pre-admissions testing take?

PAT usually takes about four or five hours, ending in the early afternoon. We will guide you through the tests and exams needed, so you can complete them as efficiently as possible.

What happens during the PAT day?

We will perform a variety of physical exams and tests to evaluate your child’s readiness for surgery. These may include:

• Taking vital signs, including weight, height, blood pressure, pulse, and pulse oximetry (which measures oxygen levels).
• Performing an electrocardiogram to make sure your child’s heart is strong enough for surgery.
• Perform an echocardiogram if your cardiologist has decided that your child needs one. Some children may need to be sedated during this test; if this applies to your child, we will give you additional instructions.
• Chest X-ray.
• Blood tests
• Staphylococcus aureus screening.
• Examination by a pediatric cardiologist.
• Evaluation by a pediatric cardiac anesthesiologist.
• Opportunity to consult with the surgeon who will be performing your child’s operation if you have not yet met him or her.
• Reviewing and signing consent form.

We will also provide you with information about the day of surgery to ensure that everything will go smoothly. This will include information about:

• Eating and drinking rules for the night before surgery.
• Bathing your child the night before surgery and the morning of surgery.

What should I bring to the PAT?

You will be in the hospital for four to five hours for pre-admission testing. You may want to bring some of the following to make your stay easier and more pleasant.

• Snacks and drinks: If your child is having an echocardiogram and will be sedated, please follow the eating instructions you received.
• Breast milk or formula: You may want to use a small cooler bag for expressed breast milk, as we will not be able to refrigerate your milk.
• Medical supplies you use at home: These may include nasogastric (NG) tubes, NG feeding supplies, and oxygen.
• Medications your child needs during this time: Please administer them as scheduled, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
• Strollers for infants and toddlers: You will be walking around the hospital with your child, so strollers may make this easier.