Clinical toxicology involves the research, prevention and treatment of diseases caused by chemicals, drugs and toxins. Special attention is paid to levels of chemical exposure and to the effects that exposure can have on people. Clinical toxicology is especially useful when dealing with people who are poisoned or who have overdosed, so it is beneficial for medical professionals and first responders. Clinical toxicology can be broken down into two parts: clinical chemistry and toxicology.

Chemical compounds are all around us, from drugs to pollutants, and depending on the compound and the amount or dosage, they have different effects. Clinical chemistry involves analyzing the composition of bodily fluids, looking at molecular diagnostics and interpreting test results. It involves medical testing and using chemical processes to evaluate patient health. Clinical chemistry is used in inpatient and outpatient medical settings, and it is important when dealing with poisoned or overdosed patients.