Point-of-Care Testing and N-Acetylcysteine for Acute Acetaminophen Overdose

Details

Files
Project Status:
Completed
Project Line:
Health Technology Review
Project Sub Line:
Rapid Review
Project Number:
RC1372-000

Question

  1. What is the clinical utility of point-of-care devices that measure acetaminophen toxicity for patients with suspected overdose?
  2. What is the cost-effectiveness of point-of-care devices that measure acetaminophen toxicity for patients with suspected overdose?
  3. What are the evidence-based guidelines regarding the administration of IV N-acetylcysteine for patients with acute acetaminophen overdose?

Key Message

Evidence on the clinical utility and cost-effectiveness of point-of-care devices could not be identified.

Two evidence-based guidelines recommend a 2-bag regimen of N-acetylcysteine, consisting of both a loading dose and maintenance dose, administered by IV for patients with acute acetaminophen overdose.