Pathology

Test & Collection Guide

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Paracetamol (Overdose)

Alternate names:

Acetaminophen

Laboratory:

Biochemistry

Test Code:

PARA

Specimen types:

Serum

Container types:

Serum tube with gel

Collection Instructions:

Transport specimen at Room Temperature to lab

Specimens must be collected four (4) hours post-ingestion. Repeat assay four hours after initial sample if the original level is in the probable hepatotoxic range.

Minimum Adult Volume:

1 mL

Paediatric Minimum Volume:

0.5 mL

Notes:

Patients with potentially toxic concentrations are in danger of serious complications , especially liver damage, which may not become apparent for 2-4 days.

Frequency:

Daily

Result Turnaround Time:

4 hours

Reference Interval:

The table below indicates blood levels above which treatment should be considered.

A half-life of four hours is assumed.

Hours post-ingestion	Paracetamol (umol/L)	Hours post-ingestion	Paracetamol (umol/L)
4	660	16	82
6	467	18	58
8	330	20	41
10	233	22	29
12	165	24	21
14	117	26	15

If EMR is not available, Pathology results are available from Auscare. If you do not have an Auscare login,please complete attached form. https://pathology.easternhealth.org.au/handbook/downloads/Auscare%20access.pdf

Instruction on how to use Auscare - https://pathology.easternhealth.org.au/handbook/downloads/Auscare%20instructions.pdf

SPECIMEN COLLECTION MODULE (SCM) FAQs - CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE for a consent form to perform tests not covered by Medicare

TURN AROUND TIMES - When will my result be available?

CLICK HERE for Minimum Labelling Requirements

CLICK HERE for a printable Pathology request form

CLICK HERE for a Log sheet for recording Pathology results

"THE ART OF CCCCOLLECTION"

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR THE PREFERRED ORDER OF DRAW