title: Is taking bloods on patients who deny overdose worthwhile?
abstract: This study sought to assess whether measuring plasma paracetamol concentrations in all patients with drug overdose or collapse (altered consciousness) changes outcome. A retrospective survey was performed of all patients attending the A&E Department at Guy's Hospital, London over a 12-month period who had plasma paracetamol concentrations measured. It is hospital policy that patients presenting after any drug over dose, or with a collapse/altered consciousness have a plasma paracetamol concentration.