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Toxicology

Medical Conditions

• Any drug poisoning, overdose, side effect or interaction that may cause a clinical problem.
• Bites and stings (envenomation).

Specialty Areas of Interest

• Snake bite
• Marine envenomation
• Illicit drug and alcohol use
• Drug interactions

Associated Tests

• Many blood tests are used to measure levels of certain drugs and to monitor their effects.

Procedures

• Treatment depends on the agent causing the problem.
• If necessary treatment begins with resuscitation (life support). General supportive management as required along with observation and monitoring for adverse effects is the mainstay of management.
• Treatment may involve reducing exposure to an agent by reducing its absorption or increasing its elimination, neutralising its effect with an antidote and correcting any adverse consequences that may occur.

What to expect

History

A clinical toxicologist will ask about the agent involved, particularly the amount of exposure, the timing of exposure and any effects that are being suffered. Whether the exposure was deliberate self harm, accidental or occupational is also important to subsequent management.

Examination

Examination by a clinical toxicologist begins with a general overview of any patient. Their observations (temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen level, respiratory rate and level of consciousness) are first assessed before proceding to detailed examination of the patient using a systematic approach. Focus is particularly directed to the cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels), respiratory system (lungs) and neurological system (brain and nerves).

Training and Qualifications

• Basic medical training
• Internship
• Residency
• Specialty Training

Links

• Find a Toxicologist
• Society of Toxicology
• Wikipedia – Toxicology

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