Poison Control Centre at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences explained

Poison Control Centre, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences & Research
Type:	Private, Deemed University
Established:	2003
Accreditation:	NABL
Head:	Dr. V.V. Pillay
City:	Kochi, Kerala 682041
Country:	India
Coordinates:	10.0328°N 76.293°W
Campus Type:	Urban
Website:	https://www.amritahospitals.org/kochi/department/speciality-departments/poison-control-centre

Poison Control Centre at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) in Cochin, India, is a specialized toxicology facility dedicated to managing poison-related emergencies, toxic exposures, and chemical hazards. This center plays a pivotal role in the prompt diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of poisonings, offering essential support to both healthcare professionals and the general public.^[1]

History

The Poison Control Centre at AIMS was established in 2003 and became fully operational in January 2005^[2] to address the growing need for comprehensive poison control services in the region. Since its inception, it has been involved in poison management, providing guidance and treatment for cases of accidental poisonings, overdoses, and exposures to toxic substances. It is one among the few PCCs in India listed in the Global Directory of Poison Control Centers of World Health Organization.^{[3] [4]} It is accredited by NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories)^[5] as part of overall clinical laboratory services of Amrita Hospital.

It is listed as open to the public and open 24 hours a day on the WHO list of poison control centers.

Mission and Objectives

The primary mission of the PCC is to provide up-to-date and extensive information on poisons, poisoning, and analytical toxicology to serving hospitals, medical practitioners, and the general public, it aims to facilitate prompt and informed responses to poison-related incidents. This facility combines information resources, analytical capabilities, and research initiatives.^[6]

Types of Samples Processed

• Body fluids: blood, urine, stomach contents (e.g. vomitus).
• Commercial products such as medicines, food samples: for detecting the presence of poisons or drugs.
• Cases both routine and medicolegal are analysed; however, viscera samples from forensic cases are usually not accepted.

Future Initiatives

1. The Centre is actively involved in developing a unique toxicology database tailored to the specific needs of nationwide doctors and hospitals in India. This initiative aims to enhance the effectiveness in management of poisoning and overdose cases.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Center Archives - Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham . 2023-10-25 . www.amrita.edu . en-US.
2. Web site: 2020-02-28 . Five-year Survey of Toxicological Testing of Clinical Body Fluid Samples at the Poison Control Centre in the Indian State of Kerala - Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham . 2023-10-19 . www.amrita.edu . en-US.
3. Web site: Minj . Kimee . 2022-08-17 . In Conversation with Dr. V. V. Pillay, Chief of Poison Control Centre & Head of Analytical Toxicology, AIMS, Cochin, Kerala . 2023-11-21 . Legal Desire Media and Insights . en-US.
4. Web site: 2019-02-28 . Poison Centers . 2023-11-21 . World Health Organization.
5. Web site: 2021-12-10 . National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) - Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham . 2023-11-21 . www.amrita.edu . en-US.
6. Web site: Amrita Hospital Poison Control Centre Mission and Objectives . 2024-03-06 . Amrita Hsopital Poison Control Centre.