Gastric Lavage Mary A. Hegenbarth Gary S. Wasserman Introduction Gastric lavage has been performed for almost two centuries, and it yet remains a controversial procedure. In 1812, Physick used a…

Obtaining Biologic Specimens Louis M. Bell Nicholas Tsarouhas Introduction Biologic specimens can be an important adjunct to the history and physical examination. Poorly obtained specimens not only may lead to…

Skin Testing Zach Kassutto Introduction Intradermal injections can be used for the diagnosis of tuberculosis, for allergy testing, and for local anesthesia. The rationale for injecting into the dermis, as…

Clinical Laboratory Procedures Meta Carroll James F. Wiley II Introduction This chapter deals with laboratory tests that may be commonly performed by a physician or other health care provider during…

Use of Atropine and Pralidoxime Autoinjectors Michele McKee Fred M. Henretig Introduction Military chemical weapons of the nerve agent type are currently considered a significant terrorist threat to civilian populations…

Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Injections A. Felipe Blanco James F. Wiley II Introduction Since its introduction in the second half of the 19th century, intramuscular injection has been a main route…

Ring Removal Susan M. Fuchs Introduction Occasionally children try on a parent’s ring or toy jewelry, only to realize that the ring cannot be removed. By the time the child…

Fishhook Removal Douglas S. Diekema Introduction Removal of a fishhook can pose a challenge to those working in the emergency department (ED). Most frequently the hook will find its way…

Ingrown Toenail Repair Juliette Quintero-Solivan Shari L. Platt Introduction Onychocryptosis, or ingrown toenail, is a common condition frequently managed in the emergency department or primary care setting. Although more common…

Incision and Drainage of a Felon Hazel Guinto-Ocampo Introduction A felon is an abscess of the distal pulp or pad of the fingertip (1,2,3,4,5,6,7). The most commonly affected digits are…