Diagnosis of Salicylate Poisoning Serum salicylate level Arterial blood gases (ABGs) Salicylate poisoning is suspected in patients with any of the following: History of a single acute overdose Repeated ingestions of therapeutic doses Unexplained metabolic acidosis Unexplained confusion and fever (in older patients) Other findings compatible with sepsis (eg, fever, hypoxia, noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, dehydration, hypotension) If poisoning is suspected, serum salicylate level (drawn at least a few hours after ingestion), urine pH, ABGs, serum electrolytes, serum creatinine, plasma glucose, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) are measured.