Bedside prompt for poor outcome in suspected infection. Not a diagnostic test for sepsis.
qSOFA
0 /3
0-1: lower risk (does not exclude sepsis)
0-1: lower risk (does not exclude sepsis)
≥ 2: higher risk of poor outcome; assess for organ dysfunction
Formula
rr + mentation + sbp
Notes
SSC 2026 recommends NEWS, NEWS2, MEWS or SIRS over qSOFA as a single screening tool (strong, moderate certainty). A positive qSOFA still signals higher risk.References
- Singer M, et al. The Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3). JAMA 2016;315:801-10.
- Prescott HC, Antonelli M, Alhazzani W, et al. Surviving Sepsis Campaign: international guidelines for management of sepsis and septic shock 2026. Intensive Care Med. 2026;52(5):863-936.
Used in
Calculators support, not replace, clinical judgement. Check inputs and units, and confirm doses with your unit protocol.