Toxicology

Poison Control Center

Clinical toxicology combines the scientific study of toxins with hands-on clinical practice to diagnose drug overdoses, various types of poisoning, and to treat these conditions. Medical toxicology focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and clinical management of patients exposed to toxic substances.

 

The Toxicology Service at Ichilov treats nearly 1,000 cases each year.
The service provides 24/7 consultation to all medical units in the hospital, with particular support to the Emergency Medicine Department, enabling Ichilov Hospital to offer its patients the most advanced medical care in these situations:

  • Direct bedside assessment of the patient

  • More efficient and accurate diagnosis

  • Tailored treatment plans

  • Continuous follow-up through the dedicated Toxicology Clinic

  • Avoidance of unnecessary tests and treatments

  • Implementation of education and training programs for clinical teams

The Toxicology Service at Ichilov is led by Prof. Miguel Galatshtein, a pediatric emergency medicine specialist who was sent by the hospital to complete a Fellowship in medical toxicology at the Rocky Mountain Poison Center (RMPC)—the leading global institution in the field of toxicology.
Training at this center provided Prof. Galatshtein with exceptionally advanced expertise and experience.


Treatment Methods

The service focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, monitoring, and management of medical conditions—including life-threatening cases—caused by toxic exposures. Methods include:

  • Techniques to prevent absorption of toxic compounds in the gastrointestinal tract (including induced vomiting, gastric lavage, activated charcoal, whole-bowel irrigation, and laxative agents).

  • Administration of antidotes: mechanism of action, clinical indications, pharmacokinetics, dosage, treatment duration, side effects, and comparative effectiveness.

  • Treatment aimed at enhancing toxin elimination from the body.


Service Package for Healthcare Organizations and Other Hospitals

As one of the few hospitals in Israel with this advanced subspecialty and a dedicated toxicology service, Ichilov offers a professional service package to healthcare organizations that do not have their own toxicology expertise.

The service package includes:

  • Bedside consultations

  • Ongoing patient follow-up

  • Education and training for clinical teams