Red Flag

Red Flag

Lab medicine An indicator—e.g., an asterisk—that is usually printed in red and generated in the lab, when an analyte’s value falls ‘out of range’—i.e., above or below the lab’s predetermined values for normal
Paediatrics A sentinel finding in a child’s development—e.g., ‘missing’ critical milestones, which may suggest a more extensive disease process warranting investigation
Public safety A forecast warning issued by the US National Weather Service to inform regional firefighting and land management agencies that conditions are ideal for wildland fire ignition and propagation
Scispeak An article in a peer-reviewed scientific journal which, when published, reaches startling conclusions that are likely to evoke wide interest and therefore appear in the lay news media—i.e., major newspapers and magazines—and potentially be reported less for their scientific value than for their sensationalist impact
Social medicine A popular term for any subtle sign—e.g., physical findings and behavioural patterns—that may indicate domestic abuse

---

'red flag'

Pediatrics A sentinel finding which may indicate a more extensive disease process. See Developmental red flag Science journalism An article in a peer-reviewed scientific journal which, when published, reaches startling conclusions that are likely to evoke wide interest and therefore appear in the lay news media–eg, Washington Post, NY Times, and others, which may be reported less for their scientific value than for their sensationalist impact. See 'Media epidemic.', Peer-reviewed journal Social medicine A popular term for subtle physical findings and behavioral patterns may indicate domestic abuse. See Domestic violence, Wife-abuser.