Introduction to AAPCC's Annual Reports
AAPCC maintains the National Poison Data Base (NPDS), which is the only
comprehensive poisoning surveillance database in the United States. The information included in its annual reports reflects the information submitted by the regional PCCs into the NPDS.
These data are used to identify hazards early, focus prevention education, guide clinical research, direct training, and detect chemical/bioterrorism incidents. AAPCC data have prompted product reformulations, repackaging, recalls, and bans; are used to support regulatory actions; and contribute to post-marketing surveillance on newly released drugs and products.
Information in the AAPCC’s database is dynamic, with follow-up calls and updated information allowing for changes in coding of some cases over time.
The information reported in the report reflects only those cases classified as:
•exposure calls (non-administrative, non-information calls; the caller was concerned about an exposure to a substance)
•having occurred in humans (no animal species)
•where the call status has been deemed closed (the PCC has determined no further information is available or no further follow-up/recommendations will be made).
Most calls are closed within the first few hours; some calls about patients admitted to hospitals remain open for weeks or months depending on the particulars of a case.