Caprini Score Calculator
Estimate a surgical or medical patient’s risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) with the 2005 Caprini risk assessment model, and see the prophylaxis category. Set age, type of surgery and mobility, then tick every risk factor that applies — each carries 1, 2, 3 or 5 points. The total places the patient in a risk band from very low to highest.
About the Caprini score
The Caprini model weights many individual risk factors to estimate VTE risk and guide thromboprophylaxis, and is reassessed through the admission as factors change. Sources: Caprini JA, Disease-a-Month 2005 / Am J Surg 2010; Gould MK et al., ACCP, Chest 2012.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Caprini score?
The Caprini score is a risk assessment model for venous thromboembolism (VTE) — deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism — mainly in surgical patients. Each risk factor is weighted 1, 2, 3 or 5 points based on how strongly it raises VTE risk, and the total sorts the patient into a risk band that guides whether and how to give thromboprophylaxis. This tool uses the widely used 2005 version.
How are the points weighted?
One-point factors include age 41–60, minor surgery, BMI over 25, swollen legs, varicose veins, sepsis, serious lung disease or pneumonia, and (in women) oral contraceptives or HRT, pregnancy or postpartum, and recurrent miscarriage. Two-point factors include age 61–74, major surgery over 45 minutes, malignancy, a central venous line, an immobilising cast, or confinement to bed over 72 hours. Three-point factors include age 75 or older, a personal or family history of VTE, and thrombophilias such as factor V Leiden or lupus anticoagulant. Five-point factors are stroke, multiple trauma, elective major lower-limb arthroplasty, hip/pelvis/leg fracture, and acute spinal-cord injury with paralysis.
What do the risk bands mean?
A common stratification is: 0 very low risk, 1–2 low, 3–4 moderate, 5–8 high, and 9 or more highest risk. Without prophylaxis, estimated VTE risk rises from well under 1% at the low end to several per cent and higher as the score climbs. This calculator shows the band and the general prophylaxis category for each total.
What prophylaxis does each band suggest?
For general surgical patients a typical approach is: very low (0) early ambulation; low (1–2) mechanical prophylaxis such as intermittent pneumatic compression; moderate (3–4) pharmacologic or mechanical prophylaxis; high and highest (≥5) pharmacologic prophylaxis (low-dose or low-molecular-weight heparin) combined with mechanical methods, sometimes extended after discharge. The exact threshold for “high risk” varies by specialty — around ≥5 for general surgery, ≥10 for joint arthroplasty and ≥12 for hip fracture — so local protocols apply.
What are the limits of the score?
It guides but does not dictate care: bleeding risk, the specific operation and local policy all modify the decision, and the score should be reassessed as new factors appear during admission. It is validated mainly in surgical populations. This calculator is an educational reference, not medical advice.
This is a reference tool, not a diagnosis or medical advice. Results depend on the laboratory, assay and clinical context, and reference intervals vary between labs and by age and sex — always read your result against the range printed on your own report and discuss it with a qualified healthcare professional.
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