qSOFA Score Calculator
Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment for sepsis mortality risk outside ICU
qSOFA Assessment
1. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) Score
Assess mental status using the Glasgow Coma Scale. Normal GCS is 15 points (fully conscious).
2. Respiratory Rate (RR)
Count the number of breaths per minute. Tachypnea (≥22 breaths/min) indicates respiratory compromise.
3. Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP)
Measure systolic blood pressure. Hypotension (≤100 mmHg) indicates cardiovascular compromise.
qSOFA vs SOFA
qSOFA (Quick SOFA)
- • Used outside ICU
- • 3 simple criteria
- • Bedside assessment
- • Identifies high mortality risk
SOFA (Sequential)
- • Used in ICU
- • 6 organ systems
- • Laboratory values required
- • Tracks organ dysfunction
Sepsis Recognition
Look for signs of infection
Monitor vital signs closely
Assess mental status changes
Consider laboratory workup
Early intervention is crucial
Understanding qSOFA (Quick SOFA)
What is qSOFA?
The quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) is a bedside clinical score to identify adult patients with suspected infection who are at greater risk for poor outcomes outside the intensive care unit (ICU).
Purpose and Use
- •Screen for sepsis outside ICU settings
- •Identify patients at risk for poor outcomes
- •Prompt further evaluation and intervention
- •Simple bedside assessment tool
Clinical Significance
Score 0-1 (Low Risk)
Low in-hospital mortality risk. Continue standard monitoring and clinical assessment.
Score 2-3 (High Risk)
3 to 14-fold increase in mortality risk. Consider further evaluation for sepsis, organ dysfunction assessment, and escalation of care.
Important: qSOFA is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. A positive qSOFA (≥2) should prompt further clinical evaluation, while a negative qSOFA does not rule out sepsis.
Historical Context
The qSOFA score was developed by Dr. Christopher Seymour and colleagues as part of the Sepsis-3 definitions published in 2016. The study analyzed 148,907 patients and found that qSOFA was superior to SIRS criteria for predicting mortality in patients with suspected infection outside the ICU.
Limitations
- •Should not be used as the sole diagnostic tool for sepsis
- •May miss patients with early sepsis who don't meet criteria yet
- •Designed for adults (≥18 years) only
- •Clinical judgment remains essential