Adult patient:
Clotted blood tube
(Serum gel separator clot activator tube)
Minimum blood volume: 5 mL
Paediatric patient:
Paediatric clotted blood tube
Number of vials: 1
Minimum blood volume: 0.8 mL
Authorisation code required
No
24 Hr available service
Yes
Method
Spectrophotometry
Reference interval
| Therapeutic range | 66 - 199 µmol/L |
|
Toxicity indicated by level at
|
4 Hr > 992 µmol/L |
|
8 Hr > 496 µmol/L |
|
|
12 Hr > 248 µmol/L |
(Timed from start of last dose)
(Source:
Therapeutic range: adopted from manufacturer’s reagent package insert.
Toxic level: Ann Emerg Med. 2005; 45(5): 563 - 4)
Clinical indication
Assessment of toxic overdose
Result interpretation
Toxic level depends on time after ingestion. 'Paracetamol Overdose Treatment Nomogram' would be attached for reference if serum paracetamol result is detectable.
The nomogram is designed for single-dose acute paracetamol overdose only. Clinicians are advised to exercise clinical judgement when applying the information to the patients. Please contact PWH Poison Treatment Centre for further management advice.
Measurement of uncertainty
Negative cross-reactivity is noted for amitriptyline, amphetamine and imipramine.
Frequency of measurement
Daily