We have been seeing an increase of repeat testing for SARS COVID in our pre-surgical populations. With the incidence of COVID in the community being high, the likelihood of a FALSE positive is very low in the PCR group. 

Repeat PCR testing (meaning already has a reported PCR test) in an ASYMPTOMATIC patient is clinically not warranted. If the patient is and has been asymptomatic, decision for the timing of surgery is based on the surgeon, patient, and anesthesiologist discussing the risks and benefits of proceeding in the less-than-30-day waiting period.

Decisions on the urgency of the surgery should be made by the surgeon in consultation with the anesthesiologist.