qSOFA (Quick SOFA) Calculator
qSOFA is a rapid bedside score (3 criteria: altered mentation, systolic BP ≤100 mmHg, respiratory rate ≥22) that flags patients with suspected infection at higher risk of poor outcomes.
Quick answer
qSOFA (quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) is a rapid bedside score with three criteria — respiratory rate 22 or more, altered mentation (GCS under 15), and systolic blood pressure 100 mmHg or less. In a patient with suspected infection, a score of 2 or more flags higher risk of a poor outcome.
qSOFA criteria
For a patient with suspected infection.
Lower risk
A qSOFA of 0: lower risk. A qSOFA of ≥ 2 in suspected infection identifies patients at greater risk of a prolonged ICU stay or death and should prompt closer assessment for sepsis (Sepsis-3, JAMA 2016). qSOFA is a prompt for escalation, not a diagnosis of sepsis.
How to use the qSOFA calculator
- 1Confirm suspected infection. qSOFA is used in a patient with suspected infection.
- 2Tick the three criteria. Tick respiratory rate 22 or more per minute, altered mentation (Glasgow Coma Scale under 15), and systolic blood pressure 100 mmHg or less.
- 3Read the score. A qSOFA of 2 or more should prompt closer assessment for sepsis and possible escalation of care.
Medical disclaimer: This is general health information, not medical advice. It does not diagnose or treat any condition, and the results are estimates based on public reference formulas. Always consult a qualified doctor about your individual health. If you think you may have a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services immediately.
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Book a consultationFrequently asked questions
What does a qSOFA score of 2 mean?⌄
In a patient with suspected infection, qSOFA of 2 or more identifies a higher risk of prolonged ICU stay or death and should prompt evaluation for sepsis. It is a prompt to act, not a diagnosis.
Is qSOFA the same as the SOFA score?⌄
No. The full SOFA score uses laboratory and organ-support data; qSOFA is a simplified bedside version using only three clinical signs to flag risk quickly.
Does qSOFA diagnose sepsis?⌄
No. Sepsis is defined by organ dysfunction (a rise in the full SOFA score) due to infection. qSOFA is a quick risk flag that prompts further assessment.
Sources & validation
This calculator reproduces the published qSOFA score, validated for risk stratification of patients with suspected infection (Sepsis-3).
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