Manchester Triage System (MTS) Category
Assigns Manchester Triage System priority category based on presenting discriminators. Determines maximum wait time for clinical assessment.
Score interpretation
→ Standard wait; direct to appropriate area (minor injuries unit if applicable); advise GP if not an ED presentation; discharge without investigation if truly minor
→ Nurse-led initial assessment; analgesia if needed; investigations may be ordered; stream to appropriate pathway; watch for deterioration
→ Immediate clinical assessment; resus bay if immediate threat; senior clinician at bedside; full monitoring; do not leave patient unattended; notify senior charge nurse
Interpretation bands for the MTS Triage. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Labetalol (IV — Hypertensive Emergency) · Combined Alpha-1 and Beta-Adrenergic Blocker
- Labetalol (IV — Hypertensive Emergency) · Combined alpha and beta blocker
- Tenecteplase · Cardiovascular Emergency
- Tirofiban · Cardiovascular Emergency
- Terlipressin · Gastrointestinal Emergency
- Octreotide · Gastrointestinal Emergency
- Difficult Airway Algorithm (DAS) · DAS 2015; Royal College of Anaesthetists
- Major Haemorrhage Protocol · NICE NG24; UK MHP guidelines
- New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation · ESC 2020 AF Guidelines; NICE NG196
- Hypertensive Emergency · ESC/ESH 2018 Hypertension Guidelines; NICE NG136
- Bradycardia Management · Resuscitation Council UK ABCDE; ESC 2021 Pacing Guidelines
- Ventricular Tachycardia / Fibrillation · Resuscitation Council UK ACLS; ESC 2022 Ventricular Arrhythmia Guidelines
Featured in these MRCEM clinical pathways
The MTS Triage is covered in detail — with RCEM/NICE evidence base, indications and pitfalls — in the following exam-focused pathways on our sister siteReviseMRCEM.
MRCEM Primary / Intermediate / OSCE candidates: each pathway includes exam-style questions, RCEM/NICE citations, and FAQ summaries.
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.
