The Medical journal of Australia
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Over a four-year period, 103 patients presented to St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, after poisoning themselves with paracetamol. Most of them were young adults who suffered temporary emotional or social distress. ⋯ We describe a rapid plasma paracetamol assay which can aid in the diagnosis and management of this problem. All physicians should be aware that paracetamol-induced hepatic necrosis is not clinically apparent for two to three days, and that it can be prevented by early specific treatment.