Synonyms

Acetyl Salicylic Acid

Clinical Indications

Suspected overdose. Occasionally therapeutic monitoring may be helpful.

Request Form 

Combined Pathology Blood form (Yellow/Black)

Availability

On request

Specific Criteria

None

Turnaround Time

Within 2 hours. 

Specimen

Serum

Volume

2 mls

Container

Yellow top (SST) tube

Lab. Handling

Original sample and an aliquot of sample should be stored frozen (in the toxicology box).

Causes for Rejection

Not meeting specific criteria for analysis. 

Interpretation

For use as an anti-inflammatory agent, pre-dose (trough) levels should be between 200 and 350 mg/L. Toxic symptoms occur in most patients when levels exceed 400 mg/L

Overdose

An information sheet is available from the National Poisons Service.