Suspected sepsis assessment (adult UK pathway)
A source-linked educational visual of adult suspected sepsis recognition, risk stratification, antimicrobial treatment and escalation from NICE NG253.
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 aged 16 and over with suspected infection in UK emergency and acute-care services.
- Jurisdiction
- UK
- Primary guidance
- NICE NG253: Suspected sepsis in people aged 16 or over
- Guidance last updated
- 2026-01-01
- 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 team, NEWS2 and investigations, Senior and critical care.
- Bold marks the dose, threshold or time limit that decides the next step; the rest of a label is context.
- Assess physiology and suspected infection in parallel.
- Open notes for timing, lactate, cultures and the limits of risk criteria.
Clinical notes
- NICE NG253 replaced NG51; do not use superseded sepsis recommendations.
- Antimicrobial choice, dose and source control must follow live local guidance and microbiology/specialist advice.
Sources
- NICE NG253: Suspected sepsis in people aged 16 or over (NICE; 2026-01-01)
Open an editable reference copy
Create a personal educational copy. Verify the original guidance before clinical use.