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qSOFA Score Calculator (sepsis)

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Understanding the qSOFA score — concept and principle

The quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) is a three-item bedside score introduced with the Sepsis-3 definitions in 2016. In adults with suspected infection outside the intensive care unit, it identifies those at higher risk of a poor outcome, such as death or a prolonged ICU stay, using only observations that need no laboratory tests.

qSOFA bedside signsRespiratory rate 22 or more, altered mentation and systolic blood pressure 100 or less each add 1 point; 2 or more means higher risk of a poor outcome in suspected infection.Three bedside signs, no lab neededbreathing≥ 22 /minmental stateGCS < 15systolic BP≤ 100 mmHgCount the signs present (default: none = 0)01230–1: lower risk≥ 2: higher riskin suspected infection2021 guideline: not to be used alone as a screenGuide only — not a diagnosis. Ask a clinician.
Three quick checks; two or more raises concern, but it is not a stand-alone sepsis screen.

How it is calculated

One point for each:

The total is 0 to 3. A score of 2 or more marks higher risk; 0–1 is shown as lower risk.

The principle

Sepsis-3 defines sepsis as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Organ dysfunction is measured with the full SOFA score, which needs blood tests. Seymour and colleagues (2016) analysed large electronic health record datasets and found that three simple signs, reflecting breathing, brain and circulation, predicted in-hospital mortality outside the ICU about as well as more complex tools. The cut-offs were chosen from the data, which is why they differ from older criteria such as SIRS.

Worked example

  1. Defaults: respiratory rate below 22, normal mentation, systolic blood pressure above 100 mmHg.
  2. qSOFA = 0 + 0 + 0 = 0.
  3. 0 is below 2, so the meaning is lower risk.
  4. For comparison, a patient with a respiratory rate of 26 and new confusion scores 2: higher risk of poor outcome.

How to read the result

Where does your result fall?Lower riskHigher risk≥2Your result: 0 · Lower riskReference: Sepsis-3 (Seymour et al., JAMA 2016)
Where does your result fall?

A score of 2 or more in suspected infection should prompt a search for organ dysfunction (for example lactate, kidney function and full SOFA), closer monitoring and timely treatment. A score of 0 or 1 does not rule out sepsis. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign 2021 guidelines recommend against using qSOFA as a single screening tool, because it misses many patients early on; tools such as NEWS, MEWS or SIRS criteria are preferred for screening.

Common mistakes

Keep in mind: For information and education only — not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Sepsis is an emergency; fever with confusion, fast breathing or low blood pressure needs immediate care. Clinical decisions must be made by a qualified professional.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between qSOFA and SOFA?

SOFA scores six organ systems from 0 to 4 each using lab values; an increase of 2 or more defines organ dysfunction. qSOFA is a quick bedside proxy.

Why was SIRS replaced in the definition?

SIRS criteria are very common in uninfected and mildly ill patients, so they were judged too nonspecific to define sepsis.

Can qSOFA be used in children?

It was developed in adults. Paediatric sepsis is assessed with age-adapted criteria.

Sources: Seymour C. W. et al., Assessment of clinical criteria for sepsis, JAMA, 2016 · Singer M. et al., Sepsis-3 consensus definitions, JAMA, 2016 · Evans L. et al., Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines 2021, Critical Care Medicine, 2021

Checked 8 Nov 2026. Seymour et al., JAMA 2016; SSC 2021.

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