What Is the qSOFA Score?
The Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) is a rapid bedside screening tool used to identify patients with suspected infection who are at greater risk of a poor outcome (death or prolonged ICU stay). Introduced as part of the Sepsis-3 definitions in 2016, it requires no laboratory tests and can be applied in seconds at the bedside, in the emergency department, or on the ward.
How to Use This Calculator
Answer three simple yes/no questions about your patient and the calculator returns a score from 0 to 3. Each positive criterion adds one point:
• Respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute or higher
• Systolic blood pressure of 100 mmHg or lower
• Altered mentation (Glasgow Coma Scale below 15)
The Formula Explained
The qSOFA score is simply the sum of three binary criteria: $$\text{qSOFA} = [\text{RR} \geq 22] + [\text{SBP} \leq 100] + [\text{altered mentation}]$$ Each bracket equals 1 if the condition is met and 0 otherwise. A score of 2 or 3 identifies patients at higher risk and should prompt closer assessment for organ dysfunction and possible sepsis.
Worked Example
A patient breathing at 26 breaths/min (\(\geq 22 \to 1\) point) with a systolic blood pressure of 95 mmHg (\(\leq 100 \to 1\) point) but normal mentation (0 points) scores $$1 + 1 + 0 = 2$$ A qSOFA of 2 is positive and warrants further evaluation for sepsis.
FAQ
Does qSOFA diagnose sepsis? No. It is a screening prompt, not a diagnostic test. A positive score should trigger further clinical assessment.
What does a score of 0 or 1 mean? Lower risk, but qSOFA does not rule out sepsis — clinical judgement always applies.
Is this a substitute for medical advice? No. This tool is educational and does not replace professional clinical evaluation.
