• The majority of these patients are children who have accidently ingested foreign bodies

• Most do not require imaging (exceptions are superstrong magnets, button batteries and some sharp objects)

• For patients who have ingested a sharp object refer to the surgical team

• Follow Toxbase guidance - login details may be obtained from ED for Toxbase

• The majority of patients who are asymptomatic after foreign body ingestion can be discharged with safety netting advice and without follow up

• This should be treated as a medical emergency

• Follow RCEM guidance found at: RCEM_BPC_Ingestion_of_Super_Strong_Magnets_in_Children_170521.pdf

• Imaging should be requested immediately and if only one magnet is visible a lateral film should also be requested

• For FPH, consult paediatric surgery in Southampton

• For WPH, consult paediatric surgery in Oxford

• Admission under the surgical team locally may be appropriate after consultation with paediatric surgery in the tertiary centre

• A cohort of patients are suitable for discharge (see flowchart) but need to return for repeat x-rays 6-12 hours later. If the surgical team have been involved the child will return to PAU and will be seen promptly by the surgical team on arrival and imaging will be arranged by the surgical team. If the patient is referred from ED to tertiary surgery and transfer for surgical intervention is not required, plus FH surgeons have not been involved, the paediatricians will bring the child back to PAU for imaging and liaise with Southampton or Oxford as appropriate.

• This should be treated as a medical emergency and imaging should be requested as soon as possible after arrival

• Follow guidance on Toxbase

For adult patients who require removal of foreign bodies from the stomach consider endoscopy and refer to the appropriate on call endoscopy service.

(RCEM 2021)

Royal College of Emergency Medicine [RCEM] (2021) Ingestion of super strong magnets in children. Available at: https://rcem.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/RCEM_BPC_Ingestion_of_Super_Strong_Magnets_in_Children_170521.pdf (Accessed: 28 April 2025).

This guideline has been registered with the Trust. However, clinical guidelines are guidelines only. The interpretation and application of clinical guidelines will remain the responsibility of the individual clinician. If in doubt, contact a senior colleague or expert. Caution is advised when using guidelines after the review date.
This guideline is for use in Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust hospitals only. Any use outside this location will not be supported by the Trust and will be at the risk of the individual using it.

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