Wells' Criteria for Pulmonary Embolism
Pre-test probability score for pulmonary embolism. Guides decisions regarding D-dimer testing and CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in suspected PE.
Score interpretation
Low pre-test probability. PE prevalence ~3.4%.
→ Check D-dimer; if negative, PE excluded; if positive, proceed to CTPA
Moderate pre-test probability. PE prevalence ~27.8%.
→ D-dimer (if ≤4) or direct CTPA (if score >4 — two-level Wells); CTPA if D-dimer positive
High pre-test probability. PE prevalence ~78.4%.
→ Proceed directly to CTPA; do not use D-dimer — sensitivity insufficient at this pre-test probability
Interpretation bands for the Wells PE Score. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Wells PS et al. Derivation of a simple clinical model to categorize patients probability of pulmonary embolism. Thromb Haemost. 2000;83(3):416–420.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Composite Pulmonary Embolism Shock (CPES) Score · Pulmonary Embolism
- Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) · Pulmonary Embolism
- YEARS Algorithm for Pulmonary Embolism · Pulmonary Embolism
- Revised Geneva Score for Pulmonary Embolism · Pulmonary Embolism
- Bova Score for Pulmonary Embolism Complications · Pulmonary Embolism
- Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) -- Full Version · Pulmonary Embolism
- Nitric Oxide (Inhaled — iNO) · Selective Pulmonary Vasodilator
- Selexipag · Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
- Macitentan · Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
- Sildenafil (Paediatric — PPHN / PAH) · PDE5 Inhibitor (Paediatric Pulmonary Hypertension)
- Sildenafil · PDE5 Inhibitor — Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
- Bosentan · Endothelin Receptor Antagonist — Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
- Acute Asthma in Adults · BTS/SIGN British Guideline on Asthma 2019; NICE NG80
- Pulmonary Embolism Assessment · NICE NG158; ESC 2019 PE Guidelines
- Acute Exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) · NICE NG115; GOLD 2024
- Spontaneous Pneumothorax (Adult) · BTS Pleural Disease 2023
- Atypical Pneumonia (Legionella / Mycoplasma / Chlamydophila) · BTS 2023; IDSA
- COPD Exacerbation Management · NICE NG115 / GOLD 2024
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.