Toxicological Outbreak Investigation Course and Toolkit

At a glance

The goal of the Toxicological Outbreak Investigation Course is to provide information, resources, and learning activities to impart the knowledge and skills needed to investigate a toxicological outbreak.

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Toxicological Outbreak Investigation online training

Module 1. Course introduction and overview

In this module, we will:

  • Define what a toxic agent is
  • Provide a brief overview of the course
  • Describe the contents of the Toxicological Outbreak Investigation Toolkit

Launch Module 1 or download Module 1 slides.

Module 2. Toxicological principles

In this module, we will:

  • Consider what a toxic agent outbreak looks like and the characteristics to look for when determining whether one is taking place
  • Define toxidromes
  • Discuss the various factors that affect toxicity
  • Examine two key concepts used by toxicologists

Module 3. Toxicological laboratory principles

In this module, we will:

  • Explain the importance of early sample collection
  • Discuss laboratory testing considerations
  • Identify information needed in sample collection protocols
  • Discuss the collection of comparison samples

Launch Module 3 or download Module 3 slides

Module 4. Analyzing and interpreting laboratory results

In this module, we will:

  • Discuss how to analyze and interpret laboratory results
  • Define "limit of detection" (LOD)
  • Identify constant values that can be substituted for values lower than the LOD
  • Provide examples of how adjustments may be made to laboratory results
  • Discuss log-normal distribution data
  • Describe information needed to interpret laboratory results

Launch Module 4 or download Module 4 slides

Module 5. Steps of a toxicological outbreak investigation

This module includes the steps in an outbreak investigation.

Launch Module 5 Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 or download Module 5 slides

Module 6. Domestic case study

In this module, you will practice what you have learned in Modules 1-5 by completing a domestic case study.

Launch Module 6 or download Module 6 slides

Module 7. International case study

In this module, you will practice what you have learned in Modules 1-5 by completing an international case study.

Launch Module 7 or download Module 7 slides.

Toxicological Outbreak Investigation Toolkit

The Toxicological Outbreak Investigation Toolkit is a collection of sample customizable documents that can be used during an outbreak investigation, including:

  • Qualitative epidemiological questions
  • Sample line list
  • Sample log
  • Sample medical record abstraction form
  • Sample questionnaire
  • Toxidrome chart

Download the toolkit.