What are the blood test indications of formaldehyde poisoning?
The blood routine manifestations of formaldehyde poisoning depend on the degree of poisoning. In case of mild poisoning, there are no significant changes in the blood routine results, but the white blood cell count may be slightly low. If the formaldehyde poisoning is severe, in addition to the low white blood cell count, the neutrophil, red blood cell, and platelet counts will also be severely low. Formaldehyde poisoning manifests as symptoms such as headache and rhinitis, requiring prompt treatment.
In case of mild formaldehyde poisoning, there are no significant changes in blood tests, only a slight decrease in white blood cell count. If the formaldehyde poisoning is severe, it will inhibit the bone marrow hematopoiesis and cause significant changes in blood tests. In this case, the blood routine test often shows a decrease in white blood cells and neutrophils. At the same time, there will also be severe decreases in red blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets.
The main symptoms include burning sensation in the eyes, tearing, conjunctivitis, eyelid edema, keratitis, rhinitis, loss of smell, pharyngitis, and bronchitis. In severe cases, laryngeal spasms, glottic edema, and pulmonary edema may occur. Long-term exposure to low concentrations of formaldehyde vapor can cause headache, weakness, digestive disorders, visual impairment, palpitations, and insomnia.
After formaldehyde poisoning, the patient needs to leave the scene immediately. Remove all contaminated clothing and wash them with clean water. If the eyes are exposed, rinse them with plenty of clean water. If the skin is contaminated, use sodium bicarbonate solution for whole-body cleaning. Antibiotics may be prescribed.