Critical care
Sepsis-3 Screening & Severity
Enter infection status, SOFA scores, hemodynamics, and lactate to determine whether Sepsis-3 criteria for sepsis or septic shock are met. An embedded qSOFA calculator highlights bedside risk.
SOFA increase (Δ)
3
Sepsis requires ΔSOFA ≥ 2.
Septic shock: lactate > 2 mmol/L after fluids.
Lactate & MAP summary
Lactate: 3.2 mmol/L
MAP: 62 mmHg
qSOFA (Quick Assessment)
Criterion met (≥22)
Criterion met (≤100)
qSOFA score
3
qSOFA ≥2 → increased risk of poor outcome; proceed with full sepsis evaluation.
Assessment Summary
Septic shock (Sepsis-3)Patient fulfills septic shock criteria: sepsis with lactate > 2 mmol/L and vasopressor requirement to maintain MAP ≥ 65 mmHg despite adequate fluid resuscitation.
- Initiate or continue vasopressor support targeting MAP ≥ 65 mmHg (e.g., norepinephrine).
- Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics and source control immediately.
- Measure lactate every 2–4 hours until normalization; ensure adequate volume resuscitation.
How to Use This Calculator
Confirm suspected infection
Sepsis requires infection plus organ dysfunction. Document cultures, imaging, or clinical evidence supporting infection.
Calculate SOFA and reassess frequently
Compare current SOFA to baseline (pre-morbid or ICU admission). An increase ≥2 points defines organ dysfunction.
Identify septic shock early
Lactate >2 mmol/L and vasopressor requirement (MAP <65 without support) after fluids signal septick shock → escalate to ICU care.
Formula & Definitions
- Sepsis: Suspected infection + acute increase in total SOFA score ≥2 points.
- Septic shock: Sepsis + vasopressors required to maintain MAP ≥65 mmHg + lactate >2 mmol/L despite adequate fluid resuscitation.
- qSOFA: Respiratory rate ≥22/min, systolic BP ≤100 mmHg, altered mentation (GCS <15); ≥2 indicates higher risk.
SOFA incorporates PaO₂/FiO₂, platelet count, bilirubin, MAP/vasopressors, Glasgow Coma Scale, creatinine/urine output.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if baseline SOFA is unknown?
Assume baseline SOFA = 0 for healthy patients. In chronic organ dysfunction (e.g., cirrhosis or dialysis), use prior SOFA or best estimate based on chronic labs.
How soon should lactate be rechecked?
Repeat within 2–4 hours if initial lactate ≥2 mmol/L, as clearance correlates with improved outcomes.
Does qSOFA replace SIRS criteria?
No. qSOFA is a bedside prognostic tool. Many institutions still trigger sepsis pathways using SIRS, NEWS2, or combination scores.
How much fluid is “adequate resuscitation” for septic shock?
Typically ≥30 mL/kg crystalloid within 3 hours, adjusted for comorbidities and dynamic assessment (ultrasound, passive leg raise).