Salicylates Level
Reviewed
This test measures the amount of salicylates (such as aspirin) in your blood. It is used to help diagnose aspirin poisoning or to monitor people taking prescription-strength aspirin for conditions like arthritis.
Preparation and collection
You may need to stop taking aspirin or other salicylate for at least four hours before the test. Your provider will let you know if there are any other special instructions to follow.
Understanding this test
Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.
- The test alone cannot diagnose poisoning; your provider will consider your symptoms, medical history, and other test results.
- No reference interval or units are provided in the source; interpretation should be done by a healthcare professional.
What to do next
If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider. Do not stop or start taking aspirin without consulting your provider.