Wells Criteria for Pulmonary Embolism

Emergency MedicinePulmonary EmbolismBeta toolThis tool is in beta. It has undergone internal validation but still requires additional testing. Always confirm the data entered and the results obtained before clinical use. It should not be used as the sole basis for clinical decisions.

Clinical signs and symptoms of deep-vein thrombosisClinical signs and symptoms of DVT.

YesNo

Pulmonary embolism most likely diagnosis or equally likely alternativeThe clinician judges PE to be the number-one diagnosis or equally likely as an alternative diagnosis.

YesNo

Heart rate greater than 100 beats/minHeart rate is greater than 100 beats/min.

YesNo

Immobilization for at least 3 days or surgery in the previous 4 weeksImmobilization for at least 3 days or surgery in the previous 4 weeks.

YesNo

Previous objectively diagnosed deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolismPrevious objectively diagnosed pulmonary embolism or deep-vein thrombosis.

YesNo

HemoptysisHemoptysis is present.

YesNo

Active malignancyMalignancy with treatment within the prior 6 months or palliative treatment.

YesNo

Enter the data

The result appears automatically once all required fields are complete.

Clinical noticeThis clinical tool supports decision-making and does not replace individual medical assessment.

Context and use

Method

Assign 3.0 points each for clinical signs of DVT and PE as the most likely or an equally likely diagnosis; 1.5 points each for heart rate >100 beats/min, immobilization for ≥3 days or surgery in the previous 4 weeks, and previous DVT or PE; and 1.0 point each for hemoptysis and active malignancy. The score is the sum of all seven criteria. Three-tier classification: low <2.0, moderate 2.0–6.0, high >6.0. Two-tier classification: PE unlikely ≤4.0, PE likely >4.0.