Description
Tess is a national, real-time surveillance database that includes all human exposures reported to participating U.S. Poison Control Centers since 1985. The data base is continually updated, with approximately 6,500 new human exposure cases added daily.
Supplier(s)
- American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC)
Data Years Available
1985-present
Periodicity
Continuous
Mode
Case reports are transmitted electronically.
Methodology
Poisoning cases are managed and entered into TESS by poison-information specialists at each U.S. Poison Control Center. The specialists collect data as part of triage and case management and code these data according to standardized definitions. TESS searches for aberrations in hourly case volume for each Poison Control Center and for daily frequency of clinical effects. Multiple surveillance case definitions and queries for presence of specific substances are used to identify possible sentinel cases for review. Query results are interpreted by clinical toxicologists, and individual cases producing signals are reviewed for clinical and surveillance significance. Reporting Poison Control Centers are contacted for additional information as needed.
References
Watson WA et al: Toxic Exposure Surveillance System. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Supplement. 53(Suppl); 262. 2004.