Sepsis screening

qSOFA, 1 point each: respiratory rate 22 or more, altered mental status, systolic BP 100 mmHg or less. Two of three signal a poor prognosis in suspected infection. The 2026 Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines recommend a broader early-warning score such as NEWS or MEWS rather than qSOFA alone, which lacks sensitivity for early screening. A lactate above 4 mmol/L signals septic shock even when the blood pressure is still normal.

Clinical content reviewed by Ducamelle Louis, Registered Nurse