Sepsis Calculator (qSOFA Score)

Sepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. It is one of the leading causes of death in intensive care units worldwide. Early recognition and treatment dramatically improve outcomes.

The qSOFA score (quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) was introduced as part of the Sepsis-3 definitions in 2016. It uses three bedside criteria requiring no laboratory tests:

1. Respiratory rate of 22 or more breaths per minute (+1 point)
2. Altered mentation, meaning any change in the Glasgow Coma Scale from baseline (+1 point)
3. Systolic blood pressure of 100 mmHg or below (+1 point)

A score of 2 or higher suggests the patient may have sepsis and is at higher risk for prolonged ICU stay or in-hospital death. The sensitivity is lower than the full SOFA score but the qSOFA can be assessed instantly at the bedside without waiting for labs.

The qSOFA is a screening tool, not a diagnostic criterion. Its role is to prompt further evaluation: blood cultures, lactate measurement, imaging, and the complete SOFA score. A patient with qSOFA of 1 is not necessarily low risk.

Once sepsis is suspected, the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines recommend:

• Blood cultures before antibiotics
• Broad-spectrum antibiotics within 1 hour
• 30 mL/kg crystalloid bolus for hypotension or lactate >= 4 mmol/L
• Vasopressors if MAP remains below 65 mmHg after fluids

Septic shock is defined as sepsis plus vasopressor requirement to maintain MAP >= 65 and lactate > 2 mmol/L. In-hospital mortality for septic shock exceeds 40% in most cohorts.

This calculator is a clinical decision support tool only. It does not replace physician judgment.