Threshold Index (2025)
Filter threshold / criteria comparisons (referral, monitoring, imaging, escalation, targets).
Filter threshold / criteria comparisons (referral, monitoring, imaging, escalation, targets).
The Clinical Threshold Index is a comprehensive resource designed to help healthcare professionals quickly compare and reference clinical thresholds across different specialties and clinical scenarios. This tool aggregates evidence-based thresholds from multiple UK and international guidelines, providing a centralized reference point for decision-making in patient care.
Clinical thresholds represent critical values or criteria that trigger specific clinical actions, such as referrals, investigations, treatments, or escalations in care. These thresholds are essential for standardizing clinical practice, reducing variation, and ensuring patients receive appropriate care based on the latest evidence.
This index is designed for rapid access to threshold information across multiple dimensions. Use the search and filter options to narrow down results based on your specific clinical needs:
The search box accepts keywords related to clinical conditions, investigations, or procedures. For example, searching for "CKD referral" will display all thresholds related to chronic kidney disease referral criteria. The search covers all fields including topic titles, decision areas, and specialty information.
Six filter categories help refine your search:
The index organizes thresholds into several key decision categories that reflect common clinical scenarios:
These thresholds determine when patients should be referred to specialist services. Examples include two-week wait (2WW) cancer referral criteria, specialist cardiology referrals for arrhythmias, or rheumatology referrals for suspected inflammatory arthritis. Referral thresholds help ensure timely access to specialist care while avoiding unnecessary referrals.
Monitoring thresholds define frequency and intensity of patient monitoring. This includes INR monitoring intervals for warfarin therapy, HbA1c testing frequency in diabetes, or vital signs monitoring thresholds in acute care. These thresholds help optimize resource use while maintaining patient safety.
Imaging thresholds guide appropriate use of diagnostic imaging, such as CT head criteria in head injury, chest X-ray indications in respiratory presentations, or MRI criteria for neurological conditions. These thresholds balance diagnostic yield with radiation safety and resource considerations.
Escalation thresholds trigger higher levels of care, including ICU admission criteria, sepsis escalation protocols, or critical care outreach triggers. These thresholds are crucial for patient safety and timely intervention in deteriorating patients.
Treatment target thresholds define therapeutic goals, such as blood pressure targets in hypertension, lipid targets in cardiovascular prevention, or glycaemic targets in diabetes. These evidence-based targets guide treatment intensification and monitoring.
Diagnostic thresholds include severity scoring systems, staging criteria, and classification systems used across various specialties. Examples include CURB-65 score in pneumonia, Child-Pugh score in liver disease, or TNM staging in oncology.
The thresholds in this index are sourced from reputable clinical guidelines and evidence-based resources. Primary sources include:
Each threshold entry includes reference to the originating body or guideline, allowing users to verify the source evidence. The index is regularly updated to reflect new evidence and guideline changes.
While this index provides quick reference to clinical thresholds, healthcare professionals should consider these important points:
Thresholds should inform rather than replace clinical judgment. Individual patient factors, comorbidities, and clinical context may warrant deviation from standard thresholds. The index serves as a guide rather than a mandatory protocol.
Always check local trust protocols and pathways, as these may supersede or modify national guidelines. The index provides general thresholds that may be adapted locally based on available resources and service configurations.
Clinical evidence evolves rapidly. While we strive to maintain current thresholds, users should verify the currency of specific thresholds against the latest guideline publications and updates.
Many clinical decisions involving thresholds benefit from multidisciplinary discussion, particularly in complex cases or where multiple thresholds may apply simultaneously.
The Clinical Threshold Index is maintained by clinical content specialists with regular updates incorporating new guidelines and evidence. Healthcare professionals can suggest additions or updates through our clinical content review process. All suggestions are reviewed by our clinical editorial board before inclusion.
Regular audit cycles ensure threshold accuracy and relevance. The index undergoes quarterly comprehensive reviews with monthly updates for high-impact guideline changes.
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