Sodium Cyanide

A) Laboratory tests should include CBC, arterial and venous blood gases, serum electrolytes and lactate, assessment of renal function, chest x-ray (following inhalation exposure or if the patient has abnormal respiratory signs and symptoms), and whole blood cyanide levels.
B) If respiratory tract irritation or respiratory depression is evident, monitor arterial blood gases, chest x-ray, and pulmonary function tests.
C) Whole blood cyanide levels may be useful in confirming the diagnosis. However, it is not clinically useful unless the results are available within a reasonable time. Treatment should be initiated based on clinical judgement.