Laboratory Diagnosis of Acute Poisoning: Consequences for Treatment

Abstract

The use of analytical techniques in the diagnosis of acute poisoning is nothing new - such methods were well known to characters such as Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot. The mechanisation and computerisation of clinical chemistry have to some extent left the sleuths behind, replacing individual acumen with a computer printout. Such a printout may or may not contain data relevant to the patient, often arriving or being recognized too late to contribute to the outcome of the poisoning. How then can resources best be utilized? Seen from a clinical perspective, this presentation will examine the limitations, possibilities, and impact on therapy of laboratory diagnosis in acute poisoning.