The National Poison Data System (NPDS) is the data warehouse for the nation’s 54 poison centers. Each poison center submits de-identified case data to NPDS after providing necessary poison exposure management and information services to callers. This case information is uploaded to NPDS in near real time, making NPDS one of the few operational systems of its kind. Currently, the time to upload data for all poison centers is 4.72 minutes [4.40, 9.27] (median [25%, 75%]).

NPDS Surveillance System

• Features more than 79 million case records and unique near real-time upload with data uploaded every 4.72 minutes, making both spatial and temporal case volume and case-based surveillance possible. 
• Generates system alerts on adverse drug events and other drug or commercial products of public health interest like contaminated food or product recalls. 
• Contains over 467,000 products in products and substances database ranging from viral and bacterial agents to commercial chemical and drug products. The products database is maintained and continuously updated by data analysts at the Micromedex System.
• Maintains a robust and comprehensive data set due to poison centers' follow-up calls to monitor case progress and medical outcome.