Summary

Cupping to extract scorpion venom: a simulation study

Salvador Sánchez-Guzmán1, Ismael Sánchez-Guzmán2, María Teresa Sánchez-Guzmán3

Affiliation of the authors

1Servicio de Urgencias Adultos, Nuevo Hospital Civil de Guadalajara, “Dr. Juan I. Menchaca”, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. 2OPD Servicios de Salud del Municipio de Zapopan, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico. 3Práctica profesional Independiente, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.

DOI

Quote

Sánchez-Guzmán S, Sánchez-Guzmán I, Sánchez-Guzmán MT. Cupping to extract scorpion venom: a simulation study. Rev Esp Urg Emerg. 2025;4:15–20

Summary

BACKGROUND. To extract scorpion venom that enters through a sting, various types of suction cups are marketed and sold as firstaid tools.
OBJECTIVE. To investigate the efficacy of suction cup extraction for removing scorpion venom.
MATERIAL AND METHODS. We purchased an extraction kit online and replicated a scorpion sting by injecting contrast to mimic the venom. Repeat radiographs were taken to visualize the distribution of the medium and its extraction by means of cupping.
RESULTS. None of the contrast was extracted by cupping throughout the 120 minutes we observed the venom’s progress through the body.
CONCLUSION. The extraction cup is completely ineffective for treating scorpion stings. Using these devices is dangerous

 

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