Calcmedical

qSOFA Score

Critical CareEmergency Medicine

Medical context

Quick bedside screen for patients with suspected infection at higher risk of poor outcomes.

ICU teams apply this alongside hemodynamic data, labs, and serial exams — not as a stand-alone decision rule.

This page explains the qSOFA formula, how to interpret the output, known limitations, and peer-reviewed references so you can verify results against primary sources and local protocols.

It is grouped under Critical Care because icu severity scores and organ dysfunction tools.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter the values requested by the qSOFA calculator using the units shown beside each field.
  2. Review the calculated result and read the interpretation section before acting on the output.
  3. Check limitations and references if the result will change management, dosing, or disposition.
  4. Use the related calculators section when you need supporting values (for example electrolytes, weight, or complementary risk scores).

Calculator

Result

0 / 3

qSOFA negative

Educational use only. Confirm results with clinical judgment, primary sources, and local protocols. Not a substitute for professional medical advice. Full disclaimer.

Formula

RR ≥22, SBP ≤100, altered mentation — one point each.

Interpretation

qSOFA ≥2 should prompt closer evaluation for sepsis and organ dysfunction (SOFA), not a standalone diagnosis.

Limitations

Sepsis-3 emphasizes SOFA rise; qSOFA alone has imperfect sensitivity as a screen.

Frequently asked questions

Is qSOFA a sepsis definition?
No. It is a bedside risk prompt; sepsis is defined by infection plus acute organ dysfunction.
Is the qSOFA result enough to make a treatment decision?
No. Calculators support medical decision-making but do not replace examination, shared decision-making, institutional protocols, or consultant input when stakes are high.
Does Calcmedical store the values I type in?
Inputs are processed in your browser for this session. We do not ask for patient names or medical record numbers. See our privacy policy for hosting and analytics details.

References

  • Singer M et al. Sepsis-3. JAMA.