Liverpool Causality Assessment Tool

The Liverpool Causality Assessment Tool offers a structured approach to evaluating adverse drug reactions (ADR). It includes two stages: exclusion criteria assessment and detailed evaluation of key elements. The tool examines critical factors like the timing of drug administration, dose consistency, ADR resolution upon stopping the drug, and alternative causes. By systematically analyzing these parameters, it helps determine the likelihood of drug-related ADRs with precision. This tool ensures accurate, evidence-based assessments, supporting healthcare professionals in making informed decisions for patient safety.

Stage 1: Exclusion Criteria Assessment

Is there sufficient clinical information about the case?



Did the ADR occur after the drug was administered?



Was the drug administered?



Does the case involve a normal dose of the drug (not an overdose)?

Stage 2: Detailed Assessment of Key Elements

Is the time between drug administration and ADR onset consistent with the known pharmacokinetics of the drug?



Did the ADR improve or resolve after the drug was stopped or the dose was reduced?



Did the ADR recur when the drug was re-administered?



Are there no plausible alternative causes for the ADR (e.g. concomitant drugs, underlying disease)?



Is the ADR a known effect of the drug (as listed in an authoritative reference)?



Do laboratory test results support the diagnosis of the ADR?