HAND-HELD METAL DETECTOR IDENTIFICATION OF INGESTED FOREIGN-BODIES

The study purpose was to determine the ability of hand-held metal dete ctors (HHMDs) to identify the presence of ingested metallic foreign bo dies (MFBs). Twenty-three children presenting to the emergency departm ent with a complaint of MFBs ingested were enrolled. Sixteen of 23 pat ients had radiographically proven foreign bodies. The MFBs comprised c oins (n = 11), a button battery (n = 1), a medallion (n = 1), a token (n = 1), a needle (n = 1), and a marble (leaded glass) (n = 1). The HH MD correctly detected 15 of 16 radiographically positive MFBs (93%) an d correctly excluded a potential MFB in six of six radiographically ne gative cases. The only foreign body not detected was an ingested needl e. One radiograph was equivocal. Radiographic localization of the inge sted objects was as follows: esophagus, n = 4; stomach, n = 9; and int estines, n = 3. The HHMD correctly localized all detected MFBs. The HH MD had a sensitivity of 94%, a specificity of 100%, a positive predict ive value of 100%, and a negative predictive value of 86%. HHMDs are e ffective screening devices for possible ingested MFBs. Positive studie s localized to the stomach and lower gastrointestinal tract do not req uire confirmatory radiographic studies.