Surgery Emergency Medicine A
Alvarado Score for Appendicitis
Clinical and laboratory scoring system for acute appendicitis. Helps determine need for CT and surgical consultation.
Score interpretation
Low Probability — Discharge 0–3
Alvarado 0–3: Appendicitis unlikely (~3%)
→ Discharge with safety-net advice; return if worsening
Equivocal — CT or Observation 4–6
Alvarado 4–6: Possible appendicitis
→ CT abdomen/pelvis; surgical observation; serial abdominal exams
High Probability — Surgical Consultation 7–10
Alvarado 7–10: Probable/definite appendicitis
→ Urgent surgical consultation; appendicectomy; IV antibiotics; nil by mouth
Interpretation bands for the Alvarado Score. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Alvarado A. A practical score for the early diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Ann Emerg Med. 1986;15(5):557-564.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Calculators
Drugs
- Protamine Sulphate (Heparin Reversal) · Heparin Reversal / Cardiac Surgery
- Methoxyflurane · Inhaled Analgesic — Acute Pain
- Fentanyl Transdermal Patch (Elderly Chronic Pain) · Opioid Analgesic — Transdermal Patch
- Morphine Slow-Release (Elderly Chronic Pain) · Opioid Analgesic — Modified-Release Oral
- Amitriptyline (Neuropathic Pain / Migraine) · Tricyclic Antidepressant / Neuropathic Pain Agent
- Gabapentin · Alpha-2-Delta Ligand — Neuropathic Pain / Epilepsy Adjunct
Pathways
- Major Trauma — Primary Survey (ATLS) · ATLS 10th Edition; JRCALC; NICE NG39
- Major Haemorrhage / Massive Transfusion · BCSH; RCOA; RCEM; RCS — BCSH Guidelines
- Burns — TBSA Estimation & Fluid Resuscitation · British Burn Association; EMSB; RCEM 2024
- Lower Gastrointestinal Bleed · NICE; BSG; ACPGBI — Commissioning Guide
- Acute Pancreatitis · NICE; IAP/APA; ACPGBI — CG104
- Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis · BAPS / RCPCH
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.