Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
No. It’s best to have a family member accompany you for proper counseling and support.
What should I carry for PAC?
Bring your current medications, old reports, allergy details, and details of past surgeries.
How long does PAC clearance take?
It depends on your health condition. For complex cases, it may take a few days or weeks.
What is the best way to manage difficult airways?
In cases of very limited mouth opening (low inter-incisor distance), tracheostomy may be considered.
Pre-Anesthetic Checkup (PAC), Check Full Form, Purpose, Do’s and Don’ts
Pre-Anesthetic Checkup (PAC) ensures you're fit for anesthesia. Candidates can check here PAC steps, medication rules, fasting tips, and what to inform doctors for a smooth and safe surgical experience.
Priyanka Agarwal29 Apr, 2025
Share
Pre-Anesthetic Checkup (PAC): When surgery is recommended by your doctor, one of the crucial steps before the procedure is the Pre-Anesthetic Checkup (PAC). This assessment ensures you're medically fit to receive anesthesia and undergo surgery safely. The Pre-Anesthetic Checkup (PAC) is a vital step before surgery, conducted by an anesthesiologist to assess a patient's medical fitness for anesthesia and the surgical procedure. It involves reviewing medical history, evaluating airway and vital signs, checking hemoglobin levels, and providing fasting and medication guidelines. Patients must disclose existing illnesses, allergies, and substance use to ensure safety. Specific do’s and don’ts before surgery, such as hygiene and medication management, help reduce risks. PAC also includes special considerations for children and the role of prehabilitation to improve overall readiness. Following PAC advice ensures a smoother and safer surgical experience.
PAC stands for Pre-Anesthetic Checkup. It’s not just a test but a comprehensive assessment performed by an anesthesiologist to evaluate your medical fitness for anesthesia. It involves reviewing your medical history, current medications, conducting a physical exam, and ordering relevant tests.
Purpose of PAC
The purpose of a Pre-Anesthetic Checkup (PAC) is to ensure a patient is medically fit for anesthesia and surgery. It helps identify health risks, plan postoperative care, and improve safety outcomes. The main goal of PAC is to:
Ensure safe administration of anesthesia
Plan for postoperative care
Identify and optimize existing medical conditions
Reduce surgical and anesthetic risks
How is PAC Done?
PAC is typically conducted in an outpatient department (OPD) or designated PAC room where an anesthetist will:
Record your past and present medical history
Check for any allergies
Review current medications
Perform a general physical exam
Evaluate vital signs
Recommend lab tests or specialist consultations, if needed
Plan the type of anesthesia and discuss postoperative pain management
Advise on ICU or HDU stay if required
Explain risks involved and take informed consent
Key Components of Pre-Anesthetic Checkup (PAC)
A thorough pre-anesthesia assessment is essential to ensure patient safety during surgery. It includes evaluating the airway, checking hemoglobin levels, and following proper fasting guidelines.
1. Airway Assessment
Mallampati Classification:
Class 1: Full visibility of tonsillar pillars and uvula
Class 2–3: Progressive limitation of visibility
Class 4: Only hard palate visible (difficult airway)
Inter-Incisor Distance: Mouth opening should be >5 cm. Less than 4 cm may suggest difficult intubation.
Thyromental Distance: Should be ≥6.5 cm for safe intubation.
Sternomental Distance: Should be >12.5 cm.
2. Hemoglobin Concentration
A minimum of 10 g/dL is recommended before surgery. The requirement may vary depending on the type of surgery.
3. Fasting Guidelines
For Adults:
Solid foods – 8 hours before
Semisolids – 6 hours before
Clear fluids – 2 hours before
For Infants:
Formula milk – 6 hours
Breast milk – 4 hours
Clear fluids – 2 hours
Fasting minimizes the risk of aspiration during anesthesia.
Co-Existing Medical Illnesses: What To Inform
Before surgery, it's important to inform your anesthetist about any existing health issues. Sharing complete medical history helps ensure safe anesthesia and better management during the procedure. Tell your anesthetist about:
Chronic diseases: Hypertension, diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, heart conditions, etc.
Medication history and any past surgeries
Known drug or food allergies
Usage of alcohol, tobacco, or recreational drugs
Medication Guidelines Before Surgery
Certain medications need to be continued while others must be stopped before surgery to avoid complications. Follow these medication guidelines as per medical advice for a safer procedure.
Medication Guidelines Before Surgery
Medication Type
Instruction
Antihypertensives
Continue (except ACE inhibitors/ARBs)
Diabetes meds
Stop oral drugs, continue insulin if needed
Cardiac meds
Continue aspirin (75 mg), antianginals, and statins
Do’s and Don’ts Before Pre-Anesthetic Checkup (PAC) and Surgery
Preparing for surgery is crucial to ensure a safe and smooth procedure. Below is a helpful list of important do's and don'ts to follow before undergoing surgery.
Do’s and Don’ts Before Pre-Anesthetic Checkup (PAC) and Surgery
Do’s Before Surgery
Don’ts Before Surgery
Take a bath the night before and the morning of surgery.
Do not eat solid food 6–8 hours before surgery.
Trim facial hair if advised by the medical team.
Do not wear nail polish (at least remove it from one finger).
Brush your teeth and clean your fingernails.
Avoid shaving the surgical area yourself.
Carry all medications and past medical reports.
Do not smoke or consume alcohol before surgery.
Bring a responsible adult to accompany you.
PAC for Children
Pre-Anesthetic Checkup (PAC) for children requires special care and preparation by parents. It's important to follow fasting rules, explain the procedure gently, and understand pre-surgery steps like sedation. For children, parents must:
Follow fasting instructions strictly
Explain the procedure in simple words (if age-appropriate)
Understand that sedatives may be given pre-surgery
Clarify if the child can be discharged the same day
Role of Prehabilitation
Prehabilitation improves your physical and mental state before surgery. It includes:
Quitting smoking and alcohol
Breathing exercises
Nutritional support
Physical activity (walking, stretching)
Managing chronic illnesses
The anesthesiologist may refer you to a physiotherapist, nutritionist, or psychologist based on your needs.
A Pre-Anesthetic Checkup (PAC) is essential for ensuring a safe and smooth surgical experience. It helps the medical team to assess your readiness for anesthesia and reduces the risk of complications. Being honest about your health and following the preoperative instructions can significantly improve surgical outcomes.
Get ready to ace the Medical exam for the dedicated career in medicine. Download the PW Med Ed app now!
Talk to a counsellorHave doubts? Our support team will be happy to assist you!
