Table 3.20-13. Assessment of the clinical probability of pulmonary embolism using the original and simplified Wells score

Parameter

Score (original)

Score (simplified)

Predisposing factors

History of DVT or PE

1.5

1

Recent surgery or immobilization

1.5

1

Cancer

1

1

Symptoms: Hemoptysis

1

1

Signs

Heart rate >100 beats/min

1.5

1

Signs and symptoms of DVT

3

1

Clinical assessment: Alternative diagnosis less likely than PE

3

1

Interpretation

Clinical probability (3 levels; original score)

Low clinical probability: Total score 0-1

Intermediate clinical probability: Total score 2-6

High clinical probability: Total score ≥7

Clinical probability (2 levels; original score)

PE not likely: Total score 0-4

PE likely: Total score >4

Clinical probability (2 levels; simplified score)

PE not likely: Total score 0-1

PE likely: Total score ≥2

Adapted from Thromb Haemost. 2000;83(3):416-20 and Thromb Haemost. 2008;99(1):229-34.

DVT, deep vein thrombosis; PE, pulmonary embolism.