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Wells Score for PE

Emergency MedicinePulmonologyCardiology

Medical context

Estimate pretest probability of pulmonary embolism with the Wells PE criteria.

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

This page explains the Wells PE 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

  1. Enter the values requested by the Wells PE 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

Low probability

Wells score for pulmonary embolism (traditional cutoffs).

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

Formula

Weighted clinical criteria (DVT signs, alternative diagnosis less likely, HR >100, immobilization/surgery, prior VTE, hemoptysis, malignancy).

Interpretation

Traditional three-tier: <2 low, 2–6 moderate, >6 high. Pair with D-dimer or definitive imaging per pathway.

Limitations

Performance depends on prevalence and clinician gestalt for “alternative diagnosis less likely.”

Frequently asked questions

Can Wells replace imaging?
No. It guides testing strategy (D-dimer vs CTPA/VQ) within validated pathways.
Is the Wells PE 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. PE prediction rules