all patients with a timed plasma paracetamol level on or above a single treatment line joining points of 100mg/L at 4 hours and 15mg/L at 15 hours after ingestion should receive acetylcysteine (Parvolex or generics) based on a new treatment nomogram, regardless of risk factors (see figure below)
where there is doubt over the timing of paracetamol ingestion including when ingestion has occurred over a period of one hour or more – ‘staggered overdose’ – acetylcysteine should be given without delay (the nomogram should not be used).
Turnaround time
1 day
Availability
Local test
Can be added on to an existing request up to 4 days following sample receipt
