🦵 Wells Score for DVT
Calculate the two-level Wells score for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) pre-test probability.
Clinical takeaway
Unlikely + negative high-sensitivity D-dimer excludes DVT.
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When to use
Decide between D-dimer and ultrasound in suspected DVT.
How it works
Sum 9 clinical items (+1 each); subtract 2 if an alternative diagnosis is at least as likely. ≥ 2 = DVT likely, < 2 = unlikely.
Key points
- Unlikely + negative high-sensitivity D-dimer excludes DVT.
- Likely → proximal compression ultrasound.
- The score supports, not replaces, imaging.
References
Decision support for licensed clinicians only; not a substitute for clinical judgement, diagnosis or local protocols.
Worked calculation
The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.
| Active cancer | No |
|---|---|
| Paralysis/paresis or recent immobilisation of leg | No |
| Bedridden ≥ 3 days or surgery within 12 weeks | No |
| Localised tenderness along deep veins | No |
| Entire leg swollen | No |
| Calf swelling > 3 cm vs other leg | No |
| Pitting oedema (symptomatic leg) | No |
| Collateral superficial veins (non-varicose) | No |
| Previously documented DVT | No |
| Alternative diagnosis as likely or more | No |
→Wells (DVT)0
- Probability：DVT unlikely
- Suggested pathway：Unlikely → high-sensitivity D-dimer; if negative, DVT excluded.
| Active cancer | Yes (+1) |
|---|---|
| Paralysis/paresis or recent immobilisation of leg | Yes (+1) |
| Bedridden ≥ 3 days or surgery within 12 weeks | Yes (+1) |
| Localised tenderness along deep veins | Yes (+1) |
| Entire leg swollen | Yes (+1) |
| Calf swelling > 3 cm vs other leg | Yes (+1) |
| Pitting oedema (symptomatic leg) | Yes (+1) |
| Collateral superficial veins (non-varicose) | Yes (+1) |
| Previously documented DVT | Yes (+1) |
| Alternative diagnosis as likely or more | Yes (−2) |
→Wells (DVT)7
- Probability：DVT likely
- Suggested pathway：Likely → proximal compression ultrasound.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Wells Score for DVT?
- Calculate the two-level Wells score for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) pre-test probability.
- How is Wells Score for DVT calculated? What is the core formula?
- Sum 9 clinical items (+1 each); subtract 2 if an alternative diagnosis is at least as likely. ≥ 2 = DVT likely, < 2 = unlikely.
- When is Wells Score for DVT used?
- Decide between D-dimer and ultrasound in suspected DVT.
- What are the key clinical points for Wells Score for DVT?
- Unlikely + negative high-sensitivity D-dimer excludes DVT. Likely → proximal compression ultrasound. The score supports, not replaces, imaging.
- What are the limits and cautions when using Wells Score for DVT?
- For licensed clinicians and clinical researchers. Interpret results with history, investigations and local protocols; not a diagnosis or prescription, and not a substitute for multidisciplinary decision-making or local guidelines.
- How is Wells Score for DVT calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
- Inputs: Active cancer No, Paralysis/paresis or recent immobilisation of leg No, Bedridden ≥ 3 days or surgery within 12 weeks No, Localised tenderness along deep veins No, Entire leg swollen No, Calf swelling > 3 cm vs other leg No, Pitting oedema (symptomatic leg) No, Collateral superficial veins (non-varicose) No… → Result: Wells (DVT) 0（Probability: DVT unlikely, Suggested pathway: Unlikely → high-sensitivity D-dimer; if negative, DVT excluded.） Inputs: Active cancer Yes (+1), Paralysis/paresis or recent immobilisation of leg Yes (+1), Bedridden ≥ 3 days or surgery within 12 weeks Yes (+1), Localised tenderness along deep veins Yes (+1), Entire leg swollen Yes (+1), Calf swelling > 3 cm vs other leg Yes (+1), Pitting oedema (symptomatic leg) Yes (+1), Collateral superficial veins (non-varicose) Yes (+1)… → Result: Wells (DVT) 7（Probability: DVT likely, Suggested pathway: Likely → proximal compression ultrasound.）