Funnel Web Spider Envenomation Workup

Updated: Jun 18, 2018
  • Author: Joe Alcock, MD, MS; Chief Editor: Joe Alcock, MD, MS  more...
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Workup

Laboratory Studies

No assay is available for the clinical detection of funnel-web spider venom.

Perform laboratory studies to assess the effects of envenomation or in consideration of differential diagnoses and coexistent conditions.

Obtain arterial blood gas measurements, serum electrolyte levels, and creatinine clearance to assess for hypoxia, acidosis, hyperglycemia, and renal impairment.

Measure serum glucose level in any patient with altered mental status to exclude hypoglycemia.

Elevated serum creatine kinase can indicate rhabdomyolysis and should be measured.

CBC count results may demonstrate hemoconcentration, and coagulation studies may demonstrate a coagulopathy.

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Imaging Studies

A chest radiograph may demonstrate pulmonary edema.

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