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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 gelSerum 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%20user%20Form%20LIS.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 Consent form to perform tests not covered by Medicare

CLICK HERE for Minimum Labelling Requirements

For Microbiology Swab Collection https://pathology.easternhealth.org.au/handbook/downloads/microbiology/Microbiology%20Swab%20Specimen%20Collection.pdf

Printable Pathology request form https://pathology.easternhealth.org.au/handbook/downloads/2025%20A5%20referral%20slip_2%20pages.docx

"THE ART OF CCCCOLLECTION"

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR THE PREFERRED ORDER OF DRAW

 

Feedback

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Pathology Handbook

Test & Collection Guide