Competency information
Details
Perform the analyses to laboratory standard operating procedures for drugs/toxins commonly found in overdose:
- salicylates
- paracetamol
- ethanol
- carbon monoxide.
Considerations
- The methods used for salicylate and paracetamol analysis in the base laboratory.
- The methods used for ethanol and carbon monoxide, including laboratory and POCT techniques.
- Specialist toxicological investigations and understand the protocol for the referral of samples to external laboratories.
- The clinical signs and symptoms of individual drug toxicity and the expected pattern of laboratory results seen in cases of toxicity.
- In-depth knowledge of sampling time requirements.
- The identification of cases requiring urgent intervention, including knowledge of specific treatment protocols for paracetamol overdose.
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 | Outcome Perform a range of laboratory techniques used in the workplace to monitor therapeutic drug concentrations. |
| # 3 | Outcome Perform a range of laboratory and point-of-care techniques to investigate drugs of abuse and other toxic substances in cases of acute poisoning, and understand the clinical context in which such techniques can be useful. |
| # 5 | Outcome Decide the testing strategy for the investigation of the poisoned patient in the correct clinical and forensic context. |