Caprini VTE Risk Assessment
Assesses VTE risk in surgical patients. Guides mechanical and pharmacological prophylaxis decisions.
Score interpretation
Caprini 0: very low VTE risk (ACCP 2012 baseline < 0.5 %).
→ Early ambulation. No pharmacological prophylaxis needed.
Caprini 1–2: low VTE risk (~1.5 %).
→ Mechanical prophylaxis (TED stockings/pneumatic compression). Pharmacological prophylaxis generally not required.
Caprini 3–4: moderate VTE risk (~3 %).
→ Pharmacological prophylaxis (LMWH) + mechanical compression recommended. Review patient-specific bleeding risk.
Caprini ≥ 5: high VTE risk (~6 %).
→ LMWH prophylaxis strongly recommended unless contraindicated. Extended prophylaxis (28–35 days) for major orthopaedic surgery. Consider fondaparinux/NOAC. Sequential compression devices.
Interpretation bands for the Caprini Score. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Caprini JA. Thrombosis risk assessment as a guide to quality patient care. Dis Mon. 2005;51(2-3):70-78.
- Gould MK, et al. Prevention of VTE in nonorthopedic surgical patients: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. Chest. 2012;141(2 Suppl):e227S–e277S.
- Pannucci CJ et al. Validation of the Caprini Risk Assessment Model in plastic and reconstructive surgery patients. J Am Coll Surg. 2011;212(1):105-112.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- HERDOO2 Rule for Discontinuing Anticoagulation in Unprovoked VTE · Venous Thromboembolism
- RIETE Score for Bleeding Risk in VTE · Venous Thromboembolism
- Wells Criteria for PE · Venous Thromboembolism
- Wells Criteria for DVT · Venous Thromboembolism
- PERC Rule for PE · Venous Thromboembolism
- Revised Geneva Score for PE · Venous Thromboembolism
- Cefuroxime · Second-Generation Cephalosporin — Respiratory / Surgical Prophylaxis
- Enoxaparin (VTE in Pregnancy) · Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) — VTE Prophylaxis/Treatment
- Enoxaparin (Orthopaedic VTE Prophylaxis) · Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH)
- Cefazolin · First-Generation Cephalosporin (Surgical Prophylaxis)
- Palivizumab · RSV Prophylaxis — Monthly Monoclonal Antibody (High-Risk Infants)
- Rivaroxaban (PE Treatment) · Venous Thromboembolism
- Falls Assessment in Older Adults · NICE CG161 2013
- Anaemia Investigation · BSH / NICE
- Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (Primary Care) · NICE NG138 / NICE antimicrobial guidance
- Hypertension Management · NICE NG136 2019
- Major Trauma — Primary Survey (ATLS) · ATLS 10th Edition; JRCALC; NICE NG39
- Major Haemorrhage / Massive Transfusion · BCSH; RCOA; RCEM; RCS — BCSH Guidelines
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.