Medical Toxicology: Tests and Treatments at
University of Colorado Hospital

A variety of drugs, chemicals, and other substances can reach poisonous (toxic) levels in your body. Tests and treatments for toxicity aim to identify the toxin, eliminate it or counteract its effects, and prevent additional exposure.

Tests to determine toxicity

Your medical toxicologist may perform multiple tests to determine your exposure to toxic substances and their levels in your body. Typically these tests examine blood or urine samples. Test results can confirm the presence and concentrations of:

• Metals such as lead, arsenic, mercury, or cadmium
• Drugs, whether prescribed, over-the-counter, or illicit
• A variety of industrial and household toxicants

Treatments for exposure to toxic substances

Treatments for toxic exposure depend on the symptoms and signs observed and the results of any tests. Treatments for certain toxic conditions might include the following:

• Chelators for metal toxicity (chelators are drugs that facilitate the elimination of metals from the body)
• Fomepizole for ethylene glycol (antifreeze) and methanol (windshield wiper fluid) toxicity
• Atropine and oximes for organophosphate (insecticide) toxicity
• Acetylcysteine for acetaminophen toxicity

Symptoms develop quickly to certain kinds of toxic exposure, but might take days in certain other cases. With this in mind, it's prudent to seek medical advice quickly if you suspect toxic exposure. Quick action can help to minimize toxic effects.