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qSOFA (Quick SOFA) Score for Sepsis

qSOFA flags adults with suspected infection at higher risk of death or prolonged ICU stay: respiratory rate ≥22, altered mentation (GCS <15) and systolic BP ≤100 mmHg, one point each. A score ≥2 indicates high risk and should prompt assessment for organ dysfunction (full SOFA).

  • Respiratory rate (/min)
  • Systolic blood pressure (mmHg or kPa)
  • Altered mentation (GCS <15) (yes/no, +1)
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Interpretation

ResultMeaning
0–1Negative; continue to monitor if infection suspected
2–3Positive; 3- to 14-fold higher in-hospital mortality; evaluate with SOFA

Formula

One point each: RR ≥22/min · altered mentation (GCS <15) · SBP ≤100 mmHg

Clinical pearls

  • qSOFA is a prognostic flag, not a diagnostic criterion for sepsis; the 2021 Surviving Sepsis Campaign recommends against using it alone as a screening tool.
  • Low sensitivity: a negative qSOFA does not rule out sepsis.

Examples

qsofa rr 24 sbp 95 alertquick sofa for confused patient with bp 88/50 and resp rate 18qSOFA RR 26, SBP 110, GCS 14

FAQ

What is a positive qSOFA?

Two or more of: respiratory rate ≥22, altered mentation, systolic BP ≤100 mmHg.

Is qSOFA better than SIRS?

qSOFA is more specific for mortality outside the ICU but less sensitive; it is not recommended as a stand-alone screening tool.

Evidence

  1. Seymour CW et al. Assessment of clinical criteria for sepsis (Sepsis-3). JAMA 2016;315:762–74.
  2. Singer M et al. The Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3). JAMA 2016;315:801–10.

Pulmonary & Critical Care · Reviewed 2026-10-14 · Methodology