Clinical toxicology combines the scientific study of toxins with clinical practice to diagnose and treat drug overdoses and various types of poisoning. Medical toxicology focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of medical conditions resulting from exposure to toxic substances.
The Toxicology Service at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) manages nearly 1,000 cases annually. The service provides 24/7 consultation to all medical departments throughout the hospital, particularly the Emergency Medicine Department, enabling comprehensive and advanced care for patients exposed to toxic substances.
The service includes:
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Direct bedside patient assessment
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Efficient and accurate diagnosis
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Development of individualized treatment plans
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Ongoing monitoring and follow-up through a dedicated Toxicology Clinic
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Prevention of unnecessary diagnostic tests and treatments
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Education and training programs for medical teams
The Toxicology Service is led by Prof. Miguel Galatshtein, a pediatric emergency medicine specialist who completed a fellowship in medical toxicology at the Rocky Mountain Poison Center (RMPC), a leading international institution in the field of toxicology. This specialized training provided Prof. Galatshtein with extensive expertise and clinical experience in the management of poisoning and toxic exposures.
Treatment Methods
The service specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, monitoring, and management of medical conditions caused by toxic exposures, including potentially life-threatening poisoning.
Treatment methods include:
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Gastrointestinal decontamination: Techniques aimed at reducing the absorption of toxic substances, including induced vomiting, gastric lavage, activated charcoal, whole-bowel irrigation, and laxative agents.
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Antidote therapy: Administration of specific antidotes based on their mechanisms of action, clinical indications, pharmacokinetics, appropriate dosage, treatment duration, potential side effects, and comparative effectiveness.
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Enhanced toxin elimination: Treatments designed to accelerate the removal of toxic substances from the body.
Toxicology Services for Healthcare Organizations and Other Hospitals
As one of the few hospitals in Israel offering this advanced medical subspecialty and a dedicated Toxicology Service, Ichilov provides specialized consultation and support to healthcare organizations and hospitals without in-house medical toxicology expertise.
The service package includes:
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Bedside consultations
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Ongoing patient monitoring and follow-up
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Education and professional training for medical teams