In addition to liver function studies, a complete blood count (CBC) is in order for mushroom poisoning from either Amanitin or Gyromitrin toxin since ingestion of either of these two toxins can cause hemolytic anemia and acute blood loss. Methemoglobinemia may also be observed in Gyromitrin poisoning. The PT and aPTT, plus blood glucose should be monitored on patients taking Warfarin who have eaten the Chaga mushroom Inonotus obliquus.
Drug and alcohol screening should be considered for all patients presenting with hallucinations, agitation, convulsions, confusion, schizophrenic-like symptoms, euphoria, coma-like state, and an unknown ingestion.
Specialized techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, thin-layer and gas-liquid chromatography are available. They can detect the various mushroom toxins; however, these specialized methods are typically not available in hospital laboratories but are limited to forensic and research facilities.
