qSOFA Score Calculator

qSOFA Score Calculator for Critical Care. At least two findings are a concerning prognostic signal in the intended context. Fewer than two do not exclude sepsis or organ dysfunction. Do not delay assessment or treatment while waiting for the total to rise.

For shared guidance on choosing a tool and documenting results, read the clinical calculator workflow.

How this calculator works

qSOFA adds one point each for respiratory rate at least 22/min, systolic pressure at most 100 mmHg and altered mentation. All three findings must be assessed; the interface does not treat unanswered fields as zero.

When to use this calculator

Use as a prompt to assess risk and organ dysfunction in an appropriate patient with suspected infection, not as the sole sepsis screening or diagnostic test. SSC 2026 favors other screening tools over qSOFA alone in acutely ill hospitalized patients.

Inputs used

  • Respiratory rate (/min)
  • Systolic pressure (mmHg)
  • Altered mentation

Clinical interpretation

At least two findings are a concerning prognostic signal in the intended context. Fewer than two do not exclude sepsis or organ dysfunction. Do not delay assessment or treatment while waiting for the total to rise.

Worked example

Fictional teaching case. Respiratory rate (/min): 26; Systolic pressure (mmHg): 96; Altered mentation: No. Result: 2 points. At least two qSOFA findings: concerning prognostic signal. Contributions in assessment order: 1 + 1 + 0 = 2. Do not wait for a score threshold to assess or treat suspected infection with deterioration. qSOFA is neither a sepsis diagnosis nor a sufficient screening tool.

Limitations and safety notes

The 2026 Surviving Sepsis Campaign recommends other early-warning/screening approaches over qSOFA alone. A low score does not exclude sepsis, organ dysfunction or a need for urgent care.

Frequently asked questions

Can qSOFA 0 exclude sepsis?

No. Evaluate the entire clinical picture and organ function; a low score must not delay appropriate assessment and treatment.

What can change the meaning of this result?

The 2026 Surviving Sepsis Campaign recommends other early-warning/screening approaches over qSOFA alone. A low score does not exclude sepsis, organ dysfunction or a need for urgent care.

References

  • Sepsis-3 qSOFA criteria and prognostic context. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26903335/
  • Current SSC 2026 recommendation against qSOFA as the sole screening tool. https://sccm.org/clinical-resources/guidelines/guidelines/surviving-sepsis-campaign-international-guidelines-for-management-of-sepsis-and-septic-shock-2026

Editorial review and citation methodology

Maintained by the Quick Medical Calculator Editorial Team. Content record date: September 9, 2026. A content date is not evidence of independent clinical review. Individual clinical sign-off is not recorded on this page.

  • Prefer original validation studies for scoring systems and prediction tools.
  • Use current specialty society guidance, transplant allocation policy, public health guidance, or regulator resources when they govern clinical use.
  • Include limitations and safety notes when a calculator is population-specific, context-dependent, or unsuitable as a standalone decision tool.

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