The Cardiovascular
ToolsCalculators

Wells score for deep vein thrombosis

Pre-test probability of lower-limb deep vein thrombosis.

Wells score for deep vein thrombosis
Active cancer
Paralysis, paresis or recent immobilisation of the leg
Bedridden >3 days or major surgery within 12 weeks
Localised tenderness along the deep venous system
Entire leg swollen
Calf swelling >3 cm vs the other leg
Pitting oedema confined to the symptomatic leg
Collateral superficial (non-varicose) veins
Previously documented DVT
Alternative diagnosis at least as likely
Result0 points

DVT unlikely — a negative D-dimer safely excludes DVT.

Two-tier
DVT unlikely

When to use

  • Patients with suspected lower-limb DVT.

Formula

One point for each positive criterion; subtract 2 points if an alternative diagnosis is at least as likely.

References

  1. Wells PS, et al. Evaluation of D-dimer in the diagnosis of suspected deep-vein thrombosis. N Engl J Med. 2003;349(13):1227–35.