Roth Score for Hypoxia Screening
Simple, validated bedside test for detecting hypoxaemia without pulse oximetry. Patient counts aloud from 1 as fast as possible on a single breath. Count-to-20 test: counts ≥20 AND breath-holding time ≥10 seconds effectively rules out SpO₂ <95%. Useful in resource-limited settings.
Score interpretation
Roth Score interpretation based on count and breath hold
→ If count ≥20 AND breath hold ≥10 seconds: SpO₂ likely ≥95% — hypoxaemia unlikely; if clinical picture reassuring, monitor clinically and arrange oximetry when available. If count <20 OR breath hold <10 seconds: SpO₂ may be below 95% — obtain pulse oximetry urgently; assess for respiratory distress, cyanosis, confusion; if no oximetry available and clinically concerned, treat as hypoxaemia (supplemental oxygen, urgent assessment); Roth Score is a SCREENING tool only — not a replacement for pulse oximetry.
Interpretation bands for the Roth Score. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Chorin E et al. The Roth score for screening of hypoxemia in COVID-19: a prospective cohort study. EClinicalMedicine. 2020;26:100515.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Urea (13C) · 13C-urea breath test
- Tocilizumab (ICU — Cytokine Storm / COVID-19) · IL-6 Receptor Inhibitor
- Tetracosactide · Synthetic ACTH (short Synacthen test)
- Nirmatrelvir / Ritonavir · COVID-19 Antiviral — Protease Inhibitor Combination
- Molnupiravir · COVID-19 Antiviral — RNA Polymerase Mutagenic Agent
- Remdesivir · Antiviral — RNA Polymerase Inhibitor (COVID-19 / Hepatitis)
- 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
- Acute Asthma in Adults · BTS/SIGN British Guideline on Asthma 2019; NICE NG80
- Pulmonary Embolism Assessment · NICE NG158; ESC 2019 PE Guidelines
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.