Neutropenic sepsis assessment (adult UK pathway)
A source-linked educational visual of adult neutropenic sepsis recognition, immediate antibiotics and risk reassessment based on NICE CG151.
Important safety note
This visual algorithm is an educational representation of published UK clinical guidance and is not a substitute for clinical judgement, local protocols, senior/specialist advice, or the original guideline. Verify current guidance before clinical use.
Scope and source
- Scope
- Adults receiving anticancer treatment or neutropenia-causing immunosuppression who are acutely unwell.
- Jurisdiction
- UK
- Primary guidance
- NICE CG151: Neutropenic sepsis: prevention and management in people with cancer
- Guidance last updated
- 2024-09-04
- Clinical reference reviewed
- 2026-09-08
- Review due
- 2027-03-08
Interactive clinical algorithm
This source-backed visual algorithm is available in the interactive page experience. Open the original guidance and the node notes before clinical use.
How to read this visual
- Read across the columns for the phases of the pathway; the swimlanes are who acts — Emergency and oncology team, Bloods and cultures, Acute oncology specialist.
- Bold marks the dose, threshold or time limit that decides the next step; the rest of a label is context.
- Refer and begin emergency assessment when the clinical context makes neutropenic sepsis plausible.
- Use notes for cultures, empirical treatment, risk reassessment and outpatient criteria.
Clinical notes
- Use current local oncology/microbiology policy for antimicrobial selection, allergy alternatives and resistant-organism risk.
- Do not delay treatment while waiting for neutrophil count or a risk score.
Sources
- NICE CG151: Neutropenic sepsis (NICE; 2024-09-04)
Open an editable reference copy
Create a personal educational copy. Verify the original guidance before clinical use.