Dear Colleagues
Currently we always measure salicyclate and paracetamol on all
suspected overdoses. This is costing a 5 figure sum just on enzymatic
salicylate kits. There is some recent UK evidence that it is possible to
reduce salicylates requests substantially (Eur J Emerg Med. 2006
Feb;13(1):26-8 and Emerg Med J. 2005 Jun;22(6):401-3.) I would be
interested to know if any labs have done this and what level of
reduction relative to paracetamol requests has been achieved and and
what criteria have been used. The above references suggest that
unconscious patients, known previous history of salicylate overdose and
relevant clinical signs are reasonable indicators for measuring
salicylate.
Many thanks in anticipation.
Roy Fisher
Royal Cornwall Hospital
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