Observation and patient disposition after hydrofluoric acid poisoning

Admit patients after hydrofluoric acid poisoning for at least 12 hours of observation if they have evidence of:

• dermal injury due to exposure to high-concentration hydrofluoric acid solutions (eg concentrations of more than 20%)
• dermal injury due to exposure to low-concentration hydrofluoric acid solutions over a large body surface area
• systemic fluorosis
• hydrofluoric acid inhalation
• hydrofluoric acid ingestion.

Discharge them once they are asymptomatic and have a normal ECG and normal serum calcium, magnesium and potassium concentrations.

Discharge patients after dermal exposure to a low-concentration hydrofluoric acid solution over a small body surface area if they are asymptomatic for at least 6 hours after exposure. Consider referring any significant dermal injury to a burns clinic for follow up.

After ocular irrigation, discuss any ocular injuries with an ophthalmologist before discharge.

Advise all patients to return if their pain is not adequately controlled by oral analgesics.