Hypoglycaemia Referral Access Criteria
Hypoglycaemia Referral Access Criteria
| Referrers should use this page when referring patients to public paediatric endocrinology and diabetes outpatient services for hypoglycaemia. This RAC is applicable to referrals for patients aged <16 years only. |
| 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. |
- Hypoglycaemia resulting in unconsciousness or seizure
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| Immediate referral |
 Immediately contact on-call registrar or service to arrange immediate paediatric endocrinology assessment (seen within 7 days): |
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To contact the relevant service, see HealthPathways: Acute Paediatric Assessment (external site)
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| Presenting issues |
If any of these issues are present, refer to outpatient services through the Central Referral Service (CRS).
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- Signs of hypoglycaemia with documented low blood glucose (BGL <2.6mmol/L in a non-diabetic patient)
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| Mandatory information |
| 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 due to financial reasons or geographical location).
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 |
- Relevant history, onset, duration and severity of symptoms
- Current medication list, including any relevant medication use that might impact on glucose metabolism
- Any known allergies
- Estimated fluid intake and output
- Familial history of diabetes insipidus
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| Examination |
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| Investigations |
- BGL
- Any other reports from critical samples
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| Highly desirable |
| History |
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| Examination |
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| Investigations |
- Familial history of hypoglycaemia/diabetes
- Hypoglycaemia screen result: blood gas, ketones, lactate, growth hormone, insulin, cortisol, ammonia
- Neonatal screening for fatty acid oxidation disorder
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| Indicative triage category |
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Category 1
Appointment within 30 days
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- Follow up clinic from emergency presentation
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Category 2
Appointment within 90 days
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- All other hypoglycaemia referrals
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Category 3
Appointment within 365 days
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- No defined category 3 criteria
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| Useful information |
- See Australia and New Zealand Society for Endocrinology and Diabetes for clinical resources (external site)
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Last reviewed: 18-03-2024