Toxicology Referral and Training Center

The Toxicology Referral and Training Center (TRTC) of the East Avenue Medical Center was established in April 1995. It functions as a diagnostic, management, and referral center which serves the patients and the community by providing information and awareness. The TRTC’s main responsibility is to provide a 24-hour emergency toxicology management consultations for victims of poisoning, and serve as a source for pharmacology and toxicology-related information. The TRTC monitors the epidemiology of human poisoning and provides surveillance for environmental and occupational chemical exposures, drug abuse, and pharmaceutical interactions and adverse effects. All the nurse toxicologists of the TRTC are highly specialized and trained to assess and manage poisoning emergencies. When a case is being referred to the TRTC, resident rotators and/or nurse toxicologists assess its severity and use knowledge and experience, team consultations, and a variety of references to identify the poison and recommend treatment. The TRTC also serves as one of the training centers in toxicology for doctors, nurses and other allied healthcare professions; in-patient and out-patient management of poisoning cases; emergency response during chemical incidents; perform researches in poisoning, toxicities, and adverse drug reactions; perform health and environmental assessment, and environmental monitoring.