Clinical Significance

Acetaminophen is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic found in a number of over‑the‑counter and prescription products. When consumed in overdose quantities, acetaminophen may cause severe liver and kidney damage, or death. 

The patient may have few or no symptoms early after acute overdose of acetaminophen. The only reliable early diagnostic indicator is provided by a quantitative measurement of the serum acetaminophen level. Clinical evidence of liver and kidney damage is usually delayed for 24 hours or more after ingestion, well after the time that the prophylactic antidote, acetylcysteine, can be effectively administered.1 Acetylcysteine is highly effective in preventing liver damage, especially if administered within 8 to 10 hours after overdose, and improves survival in patients with hepatic failure when initiated 12 to 16 hours after overdose. 

_{Source: Roche Cobas ACET2 Method Sheet Version 4.0 2024-05}