GP Practices, Haematology & Pathology Laboratories
- The HELP Flag pathway aims to complement, not replace, current haematology referral and advice and guidance pathways.
- The alerts are based on age- and sex-specific platelet thresholds installed in the pathology laboratories.
- The pathway provides guidance to GPs on how to investigate these patients.
- Supports earlier recognition of a potential undiagnosed cancer by prompting further investigation when appropriate.
- Seamlessly integrates into routine primary and secondary care workflows.
- The pathway includes referral from primary care to Non-Specific Symptom (NSS) pathway where clinically appropriate for diagnostic investigation.
Cancer Alliances
- HELP Flag identifies patients aged 60+ with raised platelet counts linked to higher cancer risk, supporting earlier detection.
- Uses age and sex adjusted platelet thresholds based on robust evidence.
- Functions as a clinical alert to prompt timely investigation and referral, improving diagnostic timeliness in primary care.
- Integrates within existing laboratory and clinical workflows to support seamless implementation.
