Paracetamol and salicylate testing: routinely required for all overdose patients?

Objectives: To determine whether it is necessary to routinely measure serum salicylate levels in addition to serum paracetamol levels in alert overdose patients who deny ingestion of that substance.

Methods: Prospective observational study of overdose patients attending an urban emergency department.

Results: A total of 171 patients attended with an alleged overdose.