» Home  » AACT Members Area Click below for position statements on the following topics in PDF format: Ipecac Syrup Single-Dose Activated Charcoal Multi-Dose Activated Charcoal Cathartics Whole Bowel Irrigation Gastric Lavage Urine Alkalization	Position Papers: Gastrointestinal Decontamination American Academy of Clinical Toxicology* European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists** In 1993, the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology (ACCT) and the European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists (EAPCCT) agreed to collaborate on Position Statements regarding Gastrointestinal Decontamination. These Statements were systematically developed clinical guidelines intended for the in-hospital treatment of the poisoned patient. The societies also developed a review mechanism to ensure that these Statements remained clinically relevant and up-to-date. During the past year, the Position Statements have undergone review and revision by members (drawn from more than sixty countries) of the two societies. Over the coming months, the updated Position Statements will be published in Journal of Toxicology—Clinical Toxicology . In preparing the original Position Statement and the update, all relevant scientific literature was identified and reviewed by acknowledged experts using agreed upon criteria. Well-conducted clinical and experimental studies were given precedence over anecdotal case reports. A draft Position Statement was then produced and subjected to detailed peer review by an international group of clinical toxicologists chosen by the AACT and the EAPCCT. The Position Statements went through multiple drafts before being approved by the boards of the two societies. It has been decided by the two societies that the ‘‘Position Statements’’ would now be designated ‘‘Position Papers.’’ The Position Papers are based only on evidence published in the English medical literature. Expert opinion was not a basis for the recommendations as expert opinion is so divergent. It is hoped that these Papers will clarify available science and offer direction for further research while simultaneously providing a sound basis for patient care. The AACT and EAPCCT gratefully acknowledge the time and contribution of the members of the Position Paper updates: Nicholas Bateman Edward Krenzelok Kenneth Kulig Philippe Lheureux Anthony Manoguerra Michael McGuigan Jan Meulenbelt Donna Seger Allister Vale Expert Review was provided by Milton Tenenbein Donna Seger, MD, President, AACT Jan Meulenbelt, MD , President, EAPCCT *Correspondence: Donna Seger, M.D., F.A.A.C.T., F.A.C.E.P., A.B.M.T., Medical Director, Middle TN Poison Center, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 501 Oxford House, VUMC Nashville, TN 37232-4632, USA; E-mail: donna.seger@vanderbilt.edu. **Correspondence: Jan Muelenbelt, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Intensive Care and Clinical Toxicology, (B00.118), University Medical Center, Utrecht, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Fax: +31-30-2541511; E-mail: j.muelenbelt@azu.nl. Position Statement (PDF Version) You'll need the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader to open and print a PDF file. If you need Acrobat Reader, you can download it for free on Adobe's web site. Get your free copy of Adobe Acrobat now.