qSOFA Calculator (quick SOFA)

Tool for rapid identification of patients with suspected infection at higher risk for poor outcomes.

Important Medical Disclaimer

This calculator is an educational and clinical decision support tool. Results DO NOT replace professional medical evaluation, laboratory tests, or clinical judgment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment, and clinical decisions. Calculations are based on scientifically validated formulas but may not be applicable to all patients.

Clinical Assessment

Quick Interpretation:

0-1 point: Not high risk for severe sepsis

≥ 2 points: High risk of in-hospital mortality

What is qSOFA?

The 'quick SOFA' (qSOFA) is a bedside tool that can identify patients with suspected infection who are at greater risk for a poor outcome (such as in-hospital mortality or prolonged ICU stay). It is part of the Sepsis-3 (2016) criteria and was designed to be simple and require no laboratory tests.

Evaluated Criteria

Respiratory Rate

≥ 22 breaths per minute

Mental Status

Altered level of consciousness (GCS < 15)

Blood Pressure

Systolic Blood Pressure ≤ 100 mmHg

When to Use

It should be used in patients with suspected infection, outside the ICU (in wards or ED), to rapidly identify those more likely to have poor outcomes. A positive qSOFA should prompt further evaluation (blood gas, lactate, organ function tests).

Clinical Context

qSOFA does not define sepsis. Sepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. qSOFA identifies patients at risk. Patients with qSOFA ≥ 2 should be evaluated for organ dysfunction (SOFA score).

Limitations

qSOFA has low sensitivity compared to other scales (like NEWS), but higher specificity. A low score does not exclude sepsis if clinical suspicion is high. It does not replace clinical judgment.

References

*Singer M, et al. The Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3). JAMA. 2016;315(8):801-810.
*Seymour CW, et al. Assessment of Clinical Criteria for Sepsis: For the Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3). JAMA. 2016;315(8):762-774.

Frequent Questions

Does qSOFA diagnose sepsis?

No. qSOFA is a prognostic screening tool. It identifies patients with infection who are at higher risk of dying or needing ICU care.

What is the difference between qSOFA and SIRS?

SIRS (Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) was used previously but was considered too nonspecific. qSOFA is more specific for identifying severe patients, although it may be less sensitive than SIRS.