Direct-access imaging referrals - RAG clinical prioritisation

NCL imaging departments have agreed on a set of standardised imaging prioritisation categories. 

These must be applied whether that GP is making a referral to a NHS service provider or the independent sector. 

GPs can refer direct to hospitals for urgent diagnostics and are encouraged to consider this instead of 2WW. 

Direct-access imaging services Suspected cancer referral form

Clinicians can request the following direct-access investigations for suspected cancer at any provider trust using a single referral form.

Providers

University College London Hospitals, Royal Free London, North Middlesex University Hospital, Whittington Health

Imaging modalities

• Abdominal USS (Suspected Gall bladder or Liver Cancer) 
• MRI head/ CT head (if MR contraindicated e.g. pacemaker) (Suspected Brain and CNS Cancer)
• CT abdomen (Suspected Pancreatic Cancer)
• CXR (Chest x-ray for Suspected Lung Cancer)
• Pelvic USS (Suspected Endometrial Cancer) (Royal Free, North Middlesex, Whittington Hospital only. For Gynae USS at UCLH please use the 2WW pathway)
• Testicular USS (Suspected Testicular Cancer)

How to refer

EMIS form: Urgent Direct Access Imaging Request Form (adult and paed) Suspected Cancer – NCL

Where to find the form

• NCL: NCL Global Documents > Imaging