The Cardiovascular
ToolsCalculators

Centor score (modified/McIsaac)

Likelihood of streptococcal pharyngitis and need for testing.

Centor score (modified/McIsaac)
Tonsillar exudate or swelling
Tender/swollen anterior cervical nodes
Temperature >38 °C
Absence of cough
Age
Complete the fields above to see the result.

When to use

  • Estimating the probability of group A streptococcal pharyngitis in patients with sore throat, to target testing and antibiotics.

Formula

One point each for tonsillar exudate, tender anterior cervical nodes, fever >38 °C, and absence of cough; age adjustment +1 (3–14 y), 0 (15–44 y), −1 (≥45 y).

References

  1. McIsaac WJ, et al. The validity of a sore throat score in family practice. CMAJ. 2000;163(7):811–5.