qSOFA (Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) is a bedside scoring system to identify patients at risk for sepsis. It uses 3 simple criteria: respiratory rate ≥22, altered mental status, and systolic BP ≤100 mmHg. A score of ≥2 suggests high risk and warrants further workup.

When should I use qSOFA vs SOFA?

Use qSOFA as a quick screening tool at the bedside or in the ED. It doesn't require lab tests. Full SOFA is more accurate but requires labs (creatinine, bilirubin, platelets) and is typically used in ICU settings for sepsis diagnosis and mortality prediction.

What does a qSOFA score of 2+ mean?

qSOFA ≥2 is associated with poor outcomes and a 3-fold increase in in-hospital mortality. It should prompt: 1) Increased monitoring, 2) Blood cultures and lactate, 3) Consider empiric antibiotics, 4) Fluid resuscitation if appropriate.

What are the limitations of qSOFA?

qSOFA may miss sepsis in patients who compensate well (young, fit patients). It has lower sensitivity than SIRS criteria. It's a risk stratification tool, not a diagnostic criterion. Always use clinical judgment alongside the score.

How does qSOFA relate to Sepsis-3?

The Sepsis-3 definition (2016) introduced qSOFA as a screening tool. Sepsis is now defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by dysregulated host response to infection, with organ dysfunction identified by increase in SOFA score ≥2.

Should I use qSOFA for all infection patients?

qSOFA is most useful for patients outside the ICU with suspected infection. In ICU patients, full SOFA is preferred. For low-acuity infections (UTI, cellulitis), clinical judgment may suffice. Use qSOFA when you're concerned about possible sepsis.

qSOFA Calculator

Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment for sepsis risk stratification in patients with suspected infection.

qSOFA Criteria

Respiratory Rate(0 points)

18/min

Normal: 12-20. ≥22 suggests respiratory compensation.

Systolic Blood Pressure(0 points)

120 mmHg

Normal: 90-140. ≤100 indicates hypotension.

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qSOFA Score

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Low Risk

Criteria Breakdown

Respiratory Rate ≥ 22/min

Tachypnea indicating respiratory distress or compensation

Systolic BP ≤ 100 mmHg

Hypotension indicating circulatory compromise

120

Altered Mental Status

GCS < 15, confusion, lethargy, or obtundation

Score Interpretation

Score	Risk Level	Mortality	Action
0	Low	~2%	Standard care
1	Intermediate	~4-6%	Close monitoring
2-3	High	~10-20%	Sepsis workup, ICU

Reference: Seymour CW, et al. JAMA 2016. Sepsis-3 Definitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

About the qSOFA Calculator

What it calculates

This qsofa calculator applies a validated clinical scoring method used in healthcare settings. Quick SOFA for sepsis screening.

When to use it

Use as a clinical decision support aid alongside professional judgment — not as a standalone diagnosis.

Example

Adjust the inputs above to model your specific scenario with the qSOFA Calculator.

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qSOFA Calculator

qSOFA Criteria

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Criteria Breakdown

Score Interpretation

About the qSOFA Calculator

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