Wells Score for DVT
Wells criteria for deep vein thrombosis: nine 1-point findings minus 2 if an alternative diagnosis is as likely; <1 low, 1-2 moderate, >=3 high.
Open the calculator → Runs in your browser. Data leaves only if you deliberately send a problem report from the interactive tool.
Example
- Localized tenderness along deep vein system
- Yes
- Entire leg swollen
- Yes
- Calf swelling > 3 cm vs other leg
- Yes
Result: Wells DVT total 3 (High probability).
The tool opens with these values already filled in. Replace them with your own.
What the result means
- <=0
- Low probability of DVT per source.
- 1-2
- Moderate probability of DVT per source.
- >=3
- High probability of DVT per source.
What you enter
- Active cancer (1)
- Paralysis or recent leg immobilization (1)
- Bedridden 3+ days or major surgery in 12 weeks (1)
- Localized tenderness along deep vein system (1)
- Entire leg swollen (1)
- Calf swelling > 3 cm vs other leg (1)
- Pitting edema confined to symptomatic leg (1)
- Collateral superficial veins (1)
The other 2 fields
- Previously documented DVT (1)
- Alternative diagnosis as likely or more likely (-2)
What this is
Score the Wells criteria for deep-vein thrombosis (Lancet 1997) - active cancer, paralysis or recent immobilization, recent bed rest >3 days or major surgery, localized tenderness along the deep venous system, entire-leg swelling, calf swelling >3 cm vs the asymptomatic side, pitting edema confined to the symptomatic leg, collateral superficial veins, prior DVT, and the -2 modifier for an alternative diagnosis at least as likely. Sophie Well returns the total and the published pretest-probability band.
When to use it
Use this in the workup of a swollen, painful lower limb to decide whether to go straight to compression ultrasound or to start with a D-dimer. The two-tier (likely / unlikely) interpretation is the version validated for the D-dimer rule-out path; it does not by itself diagnose DVT and does not apply to upper-extremity, post-thrombotic, or pregnancy-related presentations.
How this is calculated
Wells PS, et al. Value of assessment of pretest probability of deep-vein thrombosis. Lancet. 1997;350(9094):1795-1798. Read the source ↗
A reference and educational tool. Not medical, legal, or financial advice, and not a substitute for clinician judgment.
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