Database evaluation of paracetamol concentrations in a toxicology laboratory in Toruń, Poland, 2018–2022

Paracetamol is a commonly used and easily accessible drug with antipyretic and analgesic properties. Its overdose leads to severe liver failure. In diagnostic procedures, an important role is played by the determination of paracetamol concentration in blood serum, which not only confirms poisoning but also helps assess the risk of hepatotoxicity. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the data on paracetamol concentration tests performed at the Toxicology Laboratory of the Ludwik Rydygier Provincial Polyclinic Hospital in Toruń between 2018–2022. The serum of patients suspected of poisoning was tested using the immunoassay method. The study demonstrated an upward trend in the number of paracetamol concentration tests performed. It was observed that the highest percentage of patients were female, and the largest age group ranged 3–17 years old. The positive paracetamol concentrations most often fell within toxic levels and were most frequently obtained from female patients.