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| Investigation | : | Paracetamol | ||||||||||
| Specimen type | : | Serum | ||||||||||
| Spec container | : | Serum Gel | ||||||||||
| Volume required | : | 5 ml | ||||||||||
| Reference range | : | <6 mg/L | ||||||||||
| Turnaround | : | <1 hour | ||||||||||
It is essential that the timing of the blood sample in relation to the ingestion of paracetamol / salicylate is known for the correct interpretation of the plasma concentration e.g. a plasma paracetamol concentration of 30 mg/L is toxic if the sample was taken 16 hours post overdose. Here, elevation in ALT and INR may indicate toxicity.
From August 1st 2002, the time since overdose must be clearly marked on all paracetamol / salicylate request cards. Samples received without a specified time will be returned by the pod system to the relevant ward.
Click here for guidelines on Paracetamol overdose - use of acetylcysteine.
Additional information on paracetamol and its clinical use can be found here: paracetamol.
| ICE requesting info: | ICE panel name | ICE page name | Column | Comment\Advice |