Use of the scan statistic to detect temporal clustering of poisonings

The purpose of this study is to explore the use of the scan test to detect temporal clustering of poison control center data. We applied the scan test to a computerized data set consisting of all cases of carbon monoxide poisoning reported to our Poison Control Center in 1988. Using a time window of three days, the scan test identified three statistically significant temporal clusters. A review of case and climatologic data revealed that two of the clusters were due to family outbreaks and one was due to a sudden cold spell. We conclude that the scan test is a potentially useful surveillance tool which can be easily applied to poison control center data.