🫁 Wells Score for Pulmonary Embolism
Calculate the Wells score for pulmonary embolism (PE) pre-test probability (two- and three-level).
Unlikely + negative high-sensitivity D-dimer excludes PE (consider PERC).
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When to use
Guide D-dimer vs CT pulmonary angiography in suspected PE.
How it works
Weighted items (DVT signs 3, PE most likely 3, HR > 100 1.5, immobilisation/surgery 1.5, prior VTE 1.5, haemoptysis 1, malignancy 1). Two-level: > 4 likely, ≤ 4 unlikely.
Key points
- Unlikely + negative high-sensitivity D-dimer excludes PE (consider PERC).
- Likely → CT pulmonary angiography.
- Three-level bands: < 2 low, 2–6 moderate, > 6 high.
References
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.
| Clinical signs of DVT | No |
|---|---|
| PE is the most likely diagnosis | No |
| Heart rate > 100/min | No |
| Immobilisation/surgery within 4 weeks | No |
| Previous DVT/PE | No |
| Haemoptysis | No |
| Malignancy (treated within 6 months) | No |
→Wells (PE)0.0
- Two-level：PE unlikely → D-dimer (consider PERC); if negative, PE excluded.
- Three-level：Low
| Clinical signs of DVT | Yes (+3) |
|---|---|
| PE is the most likely diagnosis | Yes (+3) |
| Heart rate > 100/min | Yes (+1.5) |
| Immobilisation/surgery within 4 weeks | Yes (+1.5) |
| Previous DVT/PE | Yes (+1.5) |
| Haemoptysis | Yes (+1) |
| Malignancy (treated within 6 months) | Yes (+1) |
→Wells (PE)12.5
- Two-level：PE likely → CT pulmonary angiography.
- Three-level：High
Frequently asked questions
- What is Wells Score for Pulmonary Embolism?
- Calculate the Wells score for pulmonary embolism (PE) pre-test probability (two- and three-level).
- How is Wells Score for Pulmonary Embolism calculated? What is the core formula?
- Weighted items (DVT signs 3, PE most likely 3, HR > 100 1.5, immobilisation/surgery 1.5, prior VTE 1.5, haemoptysis 1, malignancy 1). Two-level: > 4 likely, ≤ 4 unlikely.
- When is Wells Score for Pulmonary Embolism used?
- Guide D-dimer vs CT pulmonary angiography in suspected PE.
- What are the key clinical points for Wells Score for Pulmonary Embolism?
- Unlikely + negative high-sensitivity D-dimer excludes PE (consider PERC). Likely → CT pulmonary angiography. Three-level bands: < 2 low, 2–6 moderate, > 6 high.
- What are the limits and cautions when using Wells Score for Pulmonary Embolism?
- 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 Pulmonary Embolism calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
- Inputs: Clinical signs of DVT No, PE is the most likely diagnosis No, Heart rate > 100/min No, Immobilisation/surgery within 4 weeks No, Previous DVT/PE No, Haemoptysis No, Malignancy (treated within 6 months) No → Result: Wells (PE) 0.0（Two-level: PE unlikely → D-dimer (consider PERC); if negative, PE excluded., Three-level: Low） Inputs: Clinical signs of DVT Yes (+3), PE is the most likely diagnosis Yes (+3), Heart rate > 100/min Yes (+1.5), Immobilisation/surgery within 4 weeks Yes (+1.5), Previous DVT/PE Yes (+1.5), Haemoptysis Yes (+1), Malignancy (treated within 6 months) Yes (+1) → Result: Wells (PE) 12.5（Two-level: PE likely → CT pulmonary angiography., Three-level: High）