Observation and patient disposition after a funnel-web spider bite

Admit all patients who have been treated with funnel-web spider antivenom. Monitor them for 12 to 24 hours until the effects of envenoming have resolved.

Observe any patients with suspected funnel-web spider (or other big black spider) bite for evidence of systemic envenoming. Envenoming is unlikely to develop after 2 hours. If the patient is asymptomatic, or has signs of mild envenoming, observe them for at least 4 hours after the bite and at least 2 hours after removal of the pressure bandage. Discharge them if they remain well and asymptomatic.