What is the Caprini risk score?

The Caprini RAM is a validated point-based model that quantifies a surgical patient's cumulative VTE risk from individual clinical and demographic factors. Scores range from 0 upward with no ceiling, and higher totals indicate greater 90-day VTE risk.

How are the risk categories defined?

For the CHEST general/abdominal-pelvic surgery adaptation: 0 is very low, 1–2 low, 3–4 moderate, and 5 or more high. Specialty-specific implementations may differ.

What prophylaxis is recommended for each category?

Under CHEST guidelines for general and abdominal-pelvic surgery: Very low (0 points): early and frequent ambulation. Low (1–2 points): mechanical prophylaxis (such as IPC). Moderate (3–4 points): pharmacologic prophylaxis (LMWH or UFH) or mechanical prophylaxis. High (≥5 points): pharmacologic plus mechanical prophylaxis, extended when indicated. Decisions must always weigh individual bleeding risk and follow institutional protocols.

Does a high Caprini score mean the patient must receive anticoagulation?

Not automatically. The score guides risk stratification, but the treating clinician must weigh bleeding risk, patient preferences, and institutional protocols before prescribing any prophylaxis. This tool is decision-support, not a prescribing system.

Is this tool validated for all surgical populations?

The Caprini model was originally validated in general, vascular, and urological surgery. Its use has since been extended to plastic, orthopedic, and other specialties, though some factors carry different weights in specialty-specific adaptations. Verify which version applies to your patient population.

Does this tool store patient information?

No. All calculations run entirely in your browser. Nothing is transmitted to or stored on any server.

Caprini VTE Risk Score Calculator — DVT/PE Prophylaxis, Surgery

Summary

The Caprini Risk Assessment Model (RAM) is a validated scoring tool used to estimate the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) — including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) — in surgical patients. Each risk factor is assigned 1, 2, 3, or 5 points depending on its clinical weight. The total score places the patient in one of four risk categories (Very low, Low, Moderate, or High) with corresponding evidence-based risk stratification and prevention guidance.

How it works

Check every risk factor that applies to the patient from the grouped list.
Each factor adds 1, 2, 3, or 5 points to the total score.
The calculator sums all selected points in real time.
For general/abdominal-pelvic surgery, the CHEST adaptation uses 0 very low, 1–2 low, 3–4 moderate, and 5 or more high.
The displayed context is not a prescription for prophylaxis.
No patient data is sent to any server — all computation happens in your browser.

Use cases

Pre-operative VTE risk stratification for elective and emergency surgery.
Determine whether mechanical, pharmacologic, or combined prophylaxis is appropriate.
Document VTE risk assessment in surgical admission notes.
Educate medical students and residents on Caprini scoring methodology.
Support quality-improvement audits of VTE prevention protocols.
Quickly re-score a patient when their clinical status changes post-operatively.

Caprini VTE Risk Score Calculator

Risk Factor Checklist

Score & Risk Category

Summary

How it works

Use cases

Frequently Asked Questions

Caprini VTE Risk Score Calculator

Use the Caprini VTE Risk Score Calculator

Risk Factor Checklist

Score & Risk Category

Summary

How it works

Use cases

Frequently Asked Questions