Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why do you need to know my name and phone number?
A. A name and phone number are needed so we can call you back if disconnected, or if we need to follow up to see how you are doing.
Q. What if I don’t want to give my name and phone number?
A. We will help you even if you do not want to give us your name or phone number. Helping callers is our main concern.
Q. Why do we need you to bring the product that was taken to the phone?
A. Products with the same name may have different formulas and product ingredients can change year-to-year.
Q. Who answers my phone call?
A. Our phones are answered by an expert-level team of nurses, pharmacists, and poison information providers, who assist Washingtonians in resolving poison and toxic exposures.
Q. Will you be able to tell me if I should go to my doctor or emergency room?
A. Yes. Our Call Center staff is trained to identify where you should seek treatment. Of the Washingtonians who call from home, we keep over 91% of patients at home. However, if you need to go to the emergency room, we will help determine if you are able to drive or if you need to call 911.
Q. Can I call if it is not a poisoning emergency?
A. Yes. Our specialists are specially trained not only to help patients who have been exposed to poisons, but also to give information that can help prevent poisonings, too. Do not hesitate to call if you have a question.
Q. Where can I get Mr. Yuk stickers?
A. For one sheet of stickers, call 1 (800) 222-1222 and request a Yuk Pak with stickers. Larger sticker quantities can be ordered from our website.
Q. Will you report me as a bad parent if I call too often?
A. We do not have a “bad parent” or “frequent caller” list. We receive hundreds of calls a day, and unless you tell us you have called before, we won’t know. Our job is to help keep you and your loved ones safe.
Q. Are most medication bottles child proof?
A. No. The caps that are used are only child resistant—delaying the amount of time it takes a child to open the bottle. Be sure to keep medication up high, out of sight and out of reach of your children. Better yet, keep your medications in a locked box or medicine cabinet.
Q. Is the Washington Poison Center a government agency?
A. No. We are an independent nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.
Q. How can I tell the difference between poisonous and non-poisonous mushrooms?
A. There is no easy way to tell the difference. Poisonous and non-poisonous mushrooms thrive in similar conditions. However, if someone has eaten an unknown mushroom, we can provide assistance even if the mushroom cannot be identified.
Q. Does the Washington Poison Center provide testing on food or chemicals for consumers?
A. No. The Washington Poison Center is not a testing facility.
Q. Does the Washington Poison Center give consumers pill identification information?
A. No. The Washington Poison Center does not provide pill identification for the public.
Q: Can a healthcare provider divulge patient information to the Washington Poison Center staff?
A: Yes, The Washington Poison Center is a healthcare provider performing a treatment activity to an individual. A covered entity (a healthcare provider, a health plan, or a clearinghouse) may disclose protected health information to the Washington Poison Center for treatment purposes.