Respiratory & Critical CareEvidence-Based Golden Standard
qSOFA — Quick Sepsis-Related Organ Failure Screen
A three-point bedside prompt to identify patients with suspected infection who are at risk of poor outcomes and warrant escalation (SOFA, lactate, escalation of care).
qSOFA (each = 1 point): Respiratory rate ≥22 · Altered mentation (GCS <15) · Systolic BP ≤100 mmHg
Score ≥2 predicts a greater risk of death or prolonged ICU stay in suspected infection. Full SOFA and lactate should follow a positive qSOFA; Sepsis-3 defines septic shock as vasopressors + lactate >2 mmol/L despite fluid resuscitation.
Published Clinical Benchmark Cases
Clinical Parameters & Inputs
Computed OutputqSOFA Negative (Score 0)
0/ 3
Diagnostic Interpretation
qSOFA is 0/3 (<2). Lower immediate risk in suspected infection, but qSOFA is a prompt not a rule-out — reassess if the clinical course changes.
Calculation Breakdown
qSOFA Sum
RR≥22 + altered GCS + SBP≤100 =0 / 3
Screen Result
≥2 = positive =qSOFA Negative (Score 0)
Clinical Decision Pearls
- A positive qSOFA should trigger assessment for organ dysfunction (full SOFA), lactate measurement, and escalation — not a diagnosis of sepsis by itself.
- Septic shock = persisting hypotension requiring vasopressors to keep MAP ≥65 with lactate >2 mmol/L despite adequate volume resuscitation.
Limitations & Confounders
- qSOFA is a prognostic bedside prompt, not a diagnostic test and not a substitute for SIRS in screening.
- It should not be used as a single screening tool; combine with clinical judgement and local sepsis pathways.
Evidence & Citations
- Singer M, Deutschman CS, Seymour CW, et al. The Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3). JAMA. 2016;315(8):801-810.