Salicylate testing

Salicylate Testing is a medical test used to detect and measure the amount of salicylate in the blood. Salicylates are a group of drugs, including aspirin, that are used to reduce pain and inflammation. They are also used to treat and prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Overview

Salicylate testing is primarily used to detect a salicylate overdose, either acute or chronic. An acute overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the usual or recommended amount of a salicylate-containing drug. A chronic overdose occurs when a person takes more than the recommended amount over a period of time.

When is it ordered?

A salicylate test may be ordered when a person has symptoms of an overdose, such as:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Hyperventilation
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Coma

What does the test result mean?

A high level of salicylate in the blood indicates that an overdose has occurred. The severity of symptoms can vary, depending on the amount of salicylate in the blood.

Is there anything else I should know?

Salicylate testing is not typically used to monitor therapeutic levels of salicylate drugs because the therapeutic range is well established and most people do not experience side effects at these levels.

See also

• Aspirin
• Drug overdose
• Toxicology

Salicylate testing Resources
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