A comparison of four toxicology resources in respect to rates of retrieval and time required

An evaluation was conducted fo four periodically updated poison control resources widely used by pediatricians, emergency room personnel, and poison information/control centers; i.e., Poisindex, ToxiFile, Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products, and the National Clearinghouse for Poison Control Centers' cards. The frequency of finding entries for substances known to be involved in accidental pediatric ingestions, the extent of the content and management information, and the time required to obtain the information were determined for the four resources. Poisindex was more complete than the other resources. ToxiFile was more useful than the remaining two resources, although the latter should be useful in over 70% of accidental toxic ingestions by children.