Emergency Department Evaluation and Treatment for Children With Arthropod Envenomations: Immunologic and Toxicologic Considerations

Unknown biological materials brought to the emergency department

Objective: This study is unique as it examines biological materials brought to the emergency department. The purpose of this study was to investigate the reasons behind the presence of nonhuman biological material in the emergency department.

Methods: The materials brought were photographed and a pre-prepared survey form was filled in following examination.

Results: A total of 46 biological materials were brought to the emergency department within a 12-month period. Ticks were the most frequently brought material, and the most common reason for bringing them was to get the creature removed from the body. Situations in which the physician did not have knowledge about the material were more frequent among those that were neutral about being satisfied with the attitude of the physician towards the material brought, and satisfaction was higher in cases when the physician was knowledgeable, although this was not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Physicians should not condemn biological materials brought into the department after exposure. If possible, they should try to gain more knowledge about them. If the material is not to be stored, once it is made sure that it is not dangerous, it should be disposed of in a medical waste bin. Physicians should be knowledgeable toward the frequency and the types of such agents in their region.