Article · Emergency
Red Flags in Emergency Imaging
Red flags in emergency imaging are findings of such clinical urgency that the reporting radiologist must contact the referring clinician directly, in addition to issuing the signed report. ProRadIQ's critical-finding policy mandates a logged phone callback for every red-flag case.
The findings that always trigger a radiologist phone call.
Neuro red flags
Large established infarct, intracranial haemorrhage, mass effect with midline shift, herniation, basal cistern blood, dural sinus thrombosis.
Cardiothoracic red flags
Tension pneumothorax, aortic dissection, large central pulmonary embolism, pericardial tamponade, oesophageal rupture.
Abdominal red flags
Free intraperitoneal air, large abdominal aortic aneurysm with leak, bowel ischaemia, testicular torsion on US, ectopic pregnancy with free fluid.
Quick facts
- Every red flag = phone call to referrer
- Callback logged with timestamp and clinician name
- AI scout flags red flags within 60 seconds