What is qSOFA and how is it scored?

qSOFA (quick SOFA) has 3 criteria: altered mental status (GCS<15), respiratory rate ≥22, and systolic BP ≤100. Each present criterion = 1 point. Score ≥2 indicates high risk.

What's the difference between qSOFA and SOFA?

qSOFA is a quick bedside screen requiring no labs. SOFA is comprehensive, assessing 6 organ systems with lab values, used for sepsis diagnosis and severity tracking in ICU.

Does a low qSOFA rule out sepsis?

No, qSOFA is specific but not sensitive. A low score doesn't rule out sepsis. Clinical judgment is essential. Suspected infection still warrants evaluation.

The 2016 Sepsis-3 definition redefined sepsis as 'life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by dysregulated host response to infection,' diagnosed by SOFA increase ≥2 from baseline.

What should be done with qSOFA ≥2?

qSOFA ≥2 warrants immediate evaluation, blood cultures, serum lactate, broad-spectrum antibiotics within 1 hour, IV fluids if hypotensive, and consideration of ICU admission.

How is mortality related to qSOFA?

qSOFA ≥2 is associated with 3-14x increased in-hospital mortality compared to qSOFA <2 in patients with suspected infection outside the ICU.

Sepsis Calculator (qSOFA & SOFA)

Q: What's the difference between qSOFA and SOFA?

qSOFA is a quick bedside screen requiring no labs. SOFA is comprehensive, assessing 6 organ systems with lab values, used for sepsis diagnosis and severity tracking in ICU.

Q: Does a low qSOFA rule out sepsis?

No, qSOFA is specific but not sensitive. A low score doesn't rule out sepsis. Clinical judgment is essential. Suspected infection still warrants evaluation.

Q: What is Sepsis-3?

The 2016 Sepsis-3 definition redefined sepsis as 'life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by dysregulated host response to infection,' diagnosed by SOFA increase ≥2 from baseline.

Q: What should be done with qSOFA ≥2?

qSOFA ≥2 warrants immediate evaluation, blood cultures, serum lactate, broad-spectrum antibiotics within 1 hour, IV fluids if hypotensive, and consideration of ICU admission.

Q: How is mortality related to qSOFA?

qSOFA ≥2 is associated with 3-14x increased in-hospital mortality compared to qSOFA <2 in patients with suspected infection outside the ICU.

Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment for sepsis risk stratification

qSOFA Criteria

Quick bedside assessment (≥2 points indicates high risk)

Altered Mental Status

GCS < 15 or any altered mentation

Respiratory Rate (breaths/min)

≥22 = +1 point

Systolic Blood Pressure (mmHg)

≤100 = +1 point

Full SOFA Score

Optional - for ICU patients

About qSOFA

The quick SOFA (qSOFA) score is a bedside tool to identify patients at risk for poor outcomes from sepsis. It can be assessed rapidly without laboratory tests.

qSOFA ≥ 2

Associated with 3-14x higher in-hospital mortality compared to qSOFA < 2

Sepsis-3 Criteria

Sepsis = suspected infection + SOFA increase ≥2 points. qSOFA identifies patients who may have sepsis and need further evaluation.

Critical Care Tool

This calculator is for healthcare professionals. Sepsis is a medical emergency. Low qSOFA does not rule out sepsis. Clinical judgment is essential.

About Sepsis Calculator - qSOFA & SOFA Score

Calculate qSOFA and SOFA scores for sepsis risk stratification. Essential critical care assessment tool.

Our **Sepsis Calculator** provides rapid qSOFA (quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) and full SOFA scoring for sepsis risk stratification. qSOFA can be done at bedside without lab values; SOFA requires additional data for comprehensive organ dysfunction assessment. For renal assessment, see our FENa Calculator.

Per Sepsis-3 criteria, sepsis is defined as suspected infection with SOFA score increase ≥ 2 points. qSOFA (≥2 points) identifies patients at high risk for poor outcomes who may benefit from increased monitoring and early intervention. Our calculator provides risk interpretation and recommended next steps.

**Critical Care Alert:** This tool is for healthcare professionals. Sepsis is a medical emergency requiring rapid intervention. A low qSOFA does not rule out sepsis—clinical judgment is essential. Use our Vancomycin Calculator for antibiotic dosing.

Key Features

qSOFA calculation

Full SOFA scoring

Risk stratification

Clinical recommendations

Mortality estimates

Next steps guidance

Why Use This Tool?

Rapid bedside assessment

Early sepsis identification

Guide escalation decisions

Standardized scoring

Evidence-based thresholds

Common Use Cases

Emergency Department: Rapid sepsis screening at triage.

ICU: Serial SOFA scoring to track organ dysfunction.

Medical Floors: Identify patients needing ICU transfer.

Medical Education: Learn sepsis criteria.

Technical Information

qSOFA criteria: Altered mental status (GCS<15), RR≥22, SBP≤100
qSOFA ≥2 associated with 3-14x increased in-hospital mortality
SOFA assesses 6 organ systems: respiratory, coagulation, liver, cardiovascular, CNS, renal
Sepsis = infection + SOFA increase ≥2 from baseline

How to Use

Enter qSOFA criteria (mental status, RR, BP)

Optionally add SOFA parameters

Calculate score

View risk level and recommendations

Review next steps