Haemoptysis without known lung disease
Haemoptysis without known lung disease
| Referrers should use this page when referring patients to public adult respiratory and sleep medicine outpatient services for haemoptysis without known lung disease. |
| Emergency referral |
 If any of the following are present or suspected, refer the patient to the emergency department or seek emergency medical advice if in a remote region. |
- Large volume haemoptysis defined as expectoration of 200-250mL (1 cup) within 24 hours.
- Any volume haemoptysis with acute dyspnoea, measured hypoxia, altered consciousness, hypotension, tachycardia, or chest pain
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| Immediate referral |
 Immediately contact on-call registrar or service to arrange immediate respiratory assessment (seen within 7 days):
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Medium volume of haemoptysis as defined as expectoration of 30 to 200mls within 24hours
To contact the relevant service, see Clinician Assist WA: Acute Respiratory assessment (external site).
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| Clinical indications for outpatient referral |
If any of these issues are present, refer to outpatient services through the Central Referral Service (CRS).
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- Recurrent low volume haemoptysis defined as <30mLs in 24hours, for ≥ 3 days
- Intermittent low volume haemoptysis over 3-week period
- Not in setting of acute respiratory tract infection
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| Mandatory information |
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Referrals missing 'mandatory information' with no explanation provided may not be accepted by site. If 'mandatory information' is not included, the explanation must be provided in the body of the referral (e.g. patient unable to access test in regional or remote areas or due to financial reason).
This information is required to inform accurate and timely triage. If unable to attach reports, please include relevant information/findings in the body of the referral and advise where (provider) investigation/imaging was completed.
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| History |
- Smoking/vaping status and history
- Exposure to TB
- Relevant past medical history
- Current medication list (include anticoagulants and antiplatelet therapy)
- Any known allergies
- Recent clinical events (particularly viral symptoms, infective bronchitis)
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| Examination |
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| Investigations |
- FBC
- U&Es
- LFTs
- Coagulation screen results, INR if on antiplatelet therapy and/or anticoagulants
- CT thorax
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| Highly desirable |
| History |
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| Examination |
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| Investigations |
- Previous CT scan - thorax +/- sinuses if thought to be from a nasal source
- Previous lung function test results
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| Indicative clinical urgency category |
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Category 1
Appointment within 30 days
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- Recurrent low volume haemoptysis daily, for ≥ 3 days, not in setting of acute respiratory tract infection
- Intermittent low volume haemoptysis over three-week period
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Category 2
Appointment within 90 days
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- No defined category 2 criteria
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Category 3
Appointment within 365 days
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No defined category 3 criteria
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