Laboratory Support, Continued

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The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Mushroom Poisoning and the Laboratory's Role in Monitoring Patients. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

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Laboratory Support, Continued

In addition to liver function studies, a complete blood count (CBC) is reasonable for mushroom poisoning due to either Amanitin or Gyromitrin toxins since ingestion of either of these two toxins can cause hemolytic anemia and acute blood loss. Methemoglobinemia may also be observed in Gyromitrin poisoning. The PT and aPTT and blood glucose should be monitored in patients taking Warfarin who have eaten the Chaga mushroom Inonotus obliquus.

Drug and alcohol screening should be considered for all patients presenting with hallucinations, agitation, convulsions, confusion, schizophrenic-like symptoms, euphoria, coma-like state, and an unknown ingestion.
Some reference laboratories offer immunoassays, thin-layer or gas-liquid chromatography tests that detect some mushroom toxins. These specialized labs are not available in routine hospital laboratories and tend to be limited to forensic and research facilities.