Wells Criteria for DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
The Wells' Criteria for DVT Calculator is used to assess the probability of deep vein thrombosis in a patient based on clinical risk factors.
What is Wells Criteria for DVT?
The Wells’ Criteria for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a clinical tool used to evaluate the likelihood of a patient having DVT. The criteria consist of several factors, each contributing points that total up to indicate the patient’s risk level.
Formula
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Active cancer (treatment ongoing or within last 6 months or palliative) | 1 |
| Paralysis, paresis or recent cast immobilization of lower extremities | 1 |
| Recently bedridden for ≥3 days, or major surgery within the previous 12 weeks requiring general or regional anesthesia | 1 |
| Localized tenderness along the distribution of the deep venous system | 1 |
| Entire leg swelling | 1 |
| Calf swelling at least 3 cm larger than that on the asymptomatic side (measured 10 cm below tibial tuberosity) | 1 |
| Pitting edema confined to the symptomatic leg | 1 |
| Collateral superficial veins (non-varicose) | 1 |
| Previously documented DVT | 1 |
| Alternative diagnosis at least as likely as DVT | -2 |
Interpretation
| Total Score | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 2 or more | High probability of DVT |
| 1 to 1 | Moderate probability of DVT |
| 0 or less | Low probability of DVT |
References:
- Wells PS, Hirsh J, Anderson DR, Lensing AW, Foster G, Kearon C, Weitz J, D’Ovidio R, Cogo A, Prandoni P. Accuracy of clinical assessment of deep-vein thrombosis. Lancet. 1995 May 27;345(8961):1326-30. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(95)92535-x. Erratum in: Lancet 1995 Aug 19;346(8973):516. PMID: 7752753.
- Modi S, Deisler R, Gozel K, Reicks P, Irwin E, Brunsvold M, Banton K, Beilman GJ. Wells criteria for DVT is a reliable clinical tool to assess the risk of deep venous thrombosis in trauma patients. World J Emerg Surg. 2016 Jun 8;11:24. doi: 10.1186/s13017-016-0078-1. PMID: 27279896; PMCID: PMC4898382.
About the Creator
Dr. Philip Steven Wells, M.D., M.Sc., FRCPC
Canadian Hematologist and current Chair and Chief of Medicine at the University of Ottawa and The Ottawa Hospital
