To demonstrate the accuracy of handheld metal detectors (HHMDs) for identification and localization of ingested metallic foreign bodies when used by experienced and inexperienced investigators. Design: Prospective study comparing HHMD scanning with radiography. Setting and Patients: A consecutive sample of all eligible patients (N = 176) presenting to the emergency departments of Children's Medical Center of Dallas, Dallas, Tex, and Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, Norfolk, Va, who were known or suspected to have ingested a metallic foreign body. Intervention: Each patient underwent HHMD scanning and radiographic evaluation. Main Outcome Measures: Statistical evaluation compared HHMD scanning with radiography and experienced vs inexperienced investigator HHMD scanning to determine the accuracy of the screening tool and investigators.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract