(l) Paracetamol is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract within a mew hours or ingestion. It is unlikely that there would have been any paracetamol remaining in Andrew's stomach by the time he arrived in A&E. Charcoal administration would have been ineffective at this late stage. (2) The significance of the paracetamol result is revealed by reference to the nomo- gram (Figure 13.2) that relates serum paracetamol, time since overdose and risk of significant liver disease. It is evident from the nomogram that Andrew was not at risk of liver damage and did not require antidote therapy. His physical health was con- sidered not at risk.