Snake bite, spider bite and marine toxinology management

Expert advice on clinical toxinology, covering issues including snakebite, spiderbite, scorpion sting, marine envenoming, poisonous mushrooms and plants is now provided by the South Australian Toxinology And Toxicology Service (SATATS) which is a combined service between Women's and Children's Hospital Toxinology and Royal Adelaide Hospital Toxicology.

Health practitioners are encouraged to seek advice from SATATS 24/7 on (08) 7074 0605.

Members of the public can contact either health direct on 1800 022 222, the National Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26, or 000 if it is an emergency.

SATATS medical staff are available to provide advice, support and, where appropriate, transfer of care of toxinology patients to SATATS managed or supported inpatient facilities.

Clinical guidelines

Snake bite, Spider bite & Marine Toxinology Management Clinical Guidelines (PDF 13MB) – Information on the management of snakebite, spider bite and marine envenoming and poisoning. The document includes details on identifying various snakes, spiders and other arthropods and recommended antivenom stocks for South Australian public hospitals.

Brief clinical guidelines

Snake bite - Brief Clinical Guideline (PDF 1.8MB) - Clinical guideline when a patient presents with a suspected, or definite, snake bite.
Spider bite - Brief Clinical Guideline (PDF 11.6MB) - Clinical guideline when a patient presents with a suspected, or definite spider bite.
Marine Bites / Stings Envenoming - Brief Clinical Guideline (PDF 2.57MB) - Clinical guideline when a patient presents with a suspected, or definite, marine envenoming from a witnessed or non seen organism.

Diagnostic algorithms

Snake bite Diagnostic Algorithms (PDF 1.7MB) – Flowchart for determining the most likely snake based on clinical findings.

Hospital laboratory staff resources

Snake bite and spider bite information for hospital laboratory staff (PDF 167KB) – Information on the major laboratory tests required.

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Last updated: 19 Jun 2026

Snake bite, spider bite and marine toxinology management

Clinical guidelines

Brief clinical guidelines

Diagnostic algorithms

Hospital laboratory staff resources

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