Arsenic (As) is a semimetal that occurs as a trace element in the body. In any form, arsenic is toxic and carcinogenic (cancer-causing).
One can distinguish acute from chronic poisoning.
In acute arsenic poisoning, the following symptoms may occur:
- Diarrhea (diarrhea)
- Hemolysis – destruction of erythrocytes (red blood cells).
- Uremia (kidney failure)
- Edema – accumulation of water in the tissues
- Mucositis (inflammation of the mucous membrane)
- Nausea / vomiting
- Lack of volume
Chronic arsenic poisoning may cause the following symptoms:
- Anemia (anemia)
- Alopecia (hair loss)
- Arsenic melanosis – extensive discoloration of the skin due to deposition of melanin.
- Carcinogenic effects (skin, liver, lungs) – latency period 15-20 years.
- Liver dysfunction
- Paralysis
- Muscular atrophy (muscle atrophy)
- Kidney failure
- Polyneuritis – inflammatory caused diseases of multiple nerves.
The procedure
Material needed
- Blood serum
- EDTA blood
- Urine
Preparation of the patient
- Not necessary
Disruptive factors
- Not known
Standard values
| Normal value in μg/l (blood serum) | < 10 |
| Normal value in μg/l (EDTA blood) | < 10 |
| Normal value in μg/l (urine) | < 25 |
The lethal dose is 0.15-0.3 g/kg bw
Indications
- Suspected arsenic poisoning
Interpretation
Interpretation of lowered values
- Not relevant to disease
Interpretation of elevated values
- Occupational exposure (especially in orchards/forests) – recognition as occupational disease!
- Suicidal intent or intent to kill.
