Iron Poisoning (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
Exams and Tests
A doctor diagnoses iron poisoning by observing your child. A normal physical exam and no symptoms for 6 hours tells the doctor that the child experienced either little poisoning or did not eat any iron-containing substances.
- If you can, tell the doctor the type of iron supplement and the number of tablets swallowed.
- The doctor may draw blood from your child to determine these levels:
- Iron
- White blood cell count
- Serum glucose (blood sugar)
- Iron
- The doctor may perform an x-ray of your child’s abdomen to confirm there are iron pills in the gastrointestinal tract, although sometimes they are there and not seen.
- Laboratory and imaging tests are not usually sensitive enough to detect poisoning. Some tests are also too slow to affect the diagnosis and management of iron poisoning.
Next: Iron Poisoning Treatment »
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Toxicity, Iron »
Iron is an important physiological element that is essential for multiple metabolic processes, including oxygen transport, DNA synthesis, and electron transport.
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