What is the Caprini Score?

The Caprini Score is a validated risk stratification model that assigns point values to individual patient risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE). The cumulative score places patients into Low, Moderate, High, or Very High risk categories to guide prophylaxis decisions.

What score indicates high VTE risk?

A score of 4–6 indicates High risk, and a score of 7 or more indicates Very High risk. Both categories typically warrant pharmacologic prophylaxis in addition to mechanical measures, subject to bleeding risk assessment.

Is this calculator a substitute for clinical judgment?

No. The Caprini Score is a clinical decision-support tool. Treatment decisions must account for the patient's bleeding risk, contraindications to anticoagulation, and institutional protocols. Always consult a qualified clinician.

What does a Caprini score of 0–1 mean?

A score of 0–1 places the patient in the Low risk category. Early ambulation is generally recommended, and pharmacologic prophylaxis is typically not required for most surgical procedures in this group.

Which surgeries use the Caprini model?

The Caprini RAM was originally validated for general surgery patients but is now widely applied across plastic surgery, orthopedic, gynecologic, urologic, and other surgical specialties.

Caprini Score

Name: Caprini Score
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Calculate the Caprini VTE risk score for surgical patients to guide DVT prophylaxis decisions.

Summary

Calculate the Caprini VTE risk score for surgical patients to guide DVT prophylaxis decisions.

How it works

Select all risk factors that apply to the patient across five point categories.
Each checked factor adds its point value to the running total.
The calculator sums all selected points automatically.
The total score maps to a risk category: Low (0–1), Moderate (2–3), High (4–6), or Very High (7+).
The risk category guides clinical decisions on VTE prophylaxis type and duration.
Always combine the score with clinical judgment and institutional protocols.

Use cases

Pre-operative VTE risk stratification for elective and emergency surgeries.
Guiding choice between mechanical (compression) and pharmacologic (anticoagulant) prophylaxis.
Identifying patients who may benefit from extended post-discharge thromboprophylaxis.
Documenting VTE risk assessment for surgical quality improvement programs.
Teaching medical students and residents about VTE prevention protocols.
Supporting clinical decision-making in perioperative care settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: 2026-05-23 · Reviewed by Nham Vu