Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Color Spot Test As a Presumptive Tool for the Rapid Detection of Synthetic Cathinones
Published on: February 5, 2018
Poison centers in America: how well do they perform
R J Geller1, J G Fisher, J D Leeper
1Department of Pediatrics, College of Community Health Sciences, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Tuscaloosa.
Abstract:
Marked differences in cell volume, service area, and center resources continue to exist between poison centers certified by the American Association of Poison Control Centers as Regional Poison Centers and those not meeting these criteria. However, the present clinical significance, if any, of these factors remains unproven. The only previous study, conducted in 1980, used only 1 test problem and did not attempt to separately analyze each of the differences between Regional Poison Centers and Non-regional Poison Centers. This study solicited the participation of all 208 US poison centers existing. Fifty-four poison centers (REGIONAL CENTERS 16/34 = 47%, NON-REGIONAL CENTERS 38/173 = 22%) agreed to participate. Three problems were presented to each center by simulated callers. Considerable variation was observed in efficiency and in extent of information provided. Overall, Regional Centers provided complete and correct answers for 83% of the presented cases, while Non-regional Centers did so in 57% of the cases. Although Regional Center status, staff experience, center call volume, medical direction all appear to be important, the most predictive factors were staff and center experience.
Related Concept Videos
Antidotes
Specific antidotes operate by inhibiting the enzymes that control biochemical pathways, reducing the production of harmful metabolites.
An example of an antidote is atropine, which counteracts the detrimental effects of cholinesterase inhibitors. It achieves this by deactivating muscarinic receptors,...
Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison
Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...
Enhanced Elimination of Poison
Antidotes serve a crucial role in counteracting the effects of poison by inhibiting enzymes responsible for producing harmful drug metabolites. In some cases, these toxic metabolites can be neutralized by endogenous cosubstrates, which are maintained at specific concentrations to prevent interaction with cellular macromolecules and subsequent cell death.
Renal excretion is the...
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies

