How does this differ from Wells PE?

Different criteria set for DVT vs pulmonary embolism.

Wells Score for DVT

Emergency Medicine General Medicine Surgery & Trauma

Medical context

Estimate pretest probability of lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis with the Wells DVT criteria.

Emergency clinicians use this at triage, resuscitation, and disposition to standardize risk communication across shifts.

This page explains the Wells DVT 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 Emergency Medicine because trauma, triage, and acute risk scores used in the ed.

How to use this calculator

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

Calculator

Active cancer

Paralysis / paresis / recent cast

Bedridden ≥3 days or major surgery <12 weeks

Localized tenderness along deep veins

Entire leg swollen

Calf swelling ≥3 cm vs other leg

Pitting edema (symptomatic leg)

Collateral superficial veins (nonvaricose)

Previously documented DVT

Alternative diagnosis at least as likely

Result

Low probability

Wells score for lower-extremity DVT (three-tier).

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

Formula

Nine clinical items (+1 each) and −2 if an alternative diagnosis is as likely.

Interpretation

<1 low, 1–2 moderate, ≥3 high probability (traditional three-tier).

Limitations

Combine with D-dimer / ultrasound pathways; gestalt still matters.

Frequently asked questions

How does this differ from Wells PE?: Different criteria set for DVT vs pulmonary embolism.
Is the Wells DVT 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

Wells PS et al. DVT prediction rule