What score is considered high risk in the Padua model?

A Padua score of 4 or above is defined as high risk. In the original Barbar et al. cohort (2010), high-risk patients not receiving prophylaxis had a VTE rate of 11.0% versus 0.3% in low-risk patients. Pharmacological prophylaxis is generally recommended for high-risk patients unless there is a significant bleeding risk.

Which risk factor carries the most weight?

Active cancer, previous VTE (excluding superficial vein thrombosis), reduced mobility, and known thrombophilic condition each carry 3 points — the maximum for any single factor. All other factors carry 1 point each.

Is the Padua score validated for surgical patients?

No. The Padua Prediction Score was specifically developed and validated for non-surgical hospitalized medical patients. Surgical patients are typically stratified using separate tools such as the Caprini score or the Rogers score.

What does "reduced mobility" mean in this context?

Reduced mobility is defined as anticipated bed rest for at least 3 days due to patient limitation or physician order. Patients who are ambulatory but slow or use a cane do not qualify; the restriction must be substantially limiting independent ambulation.

How often should the Padua score be reassessed?

Most guidelines recommend assessment on admission and whenever there is a significant change in clinical status (e.g., new infection, worsening heart failure, ICU transfer). Some institutions reassess every 24–48 hours in high-acuity settings.

Is this tool a substitute for clinical judgment?

No. This calculator is for educational and decision-support purposes only. Prophylaxis decisions must weigh VTE risk against individual bleeding risk and are the responsibility of the treating clinician. Always follow your institution's protocols and applicable clinical guidelines.

Padua Score Calculator — VTE Risk Prediction for Inpatients

Summary

The Padua Prediction Score is a validated clinical tool developed by Barbar et al. (2010) to stratify the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in hospitalized medical patients. It evaluates 11 clinical risk factors — each weighted 1 to 3 points — to produce a total score ranging from 0 to 20. A score of 4 or above identifies high-risk patients who are generally candidates for pharmacological prophylaxis, while scores below 4 indicate low risk where mechanical measures may suffice. The tool is endorsed by multiple clinical practice guidelines for routine VTE risk assessment on medical wards.

How it works

Review each of the 11 Padua risk factors listed in the checklist.
Check every factor that applies to the patient at the time of assessment.
The tool sums the weighted points assigned to each selected factor automatically.
A total score of 4 or above is classified as High Risk; below 4 is Low Risk.
The result panel displays the total score, risk category, and prophylaxis recommendation.
Use the Reset button to clear all selections and start a new assessment.

Use cases

Screen all admitted medical inpatients for VTE risk on the day of admission.
Decide whether to initiate pharmacological thromboprophylaxis (LMWH, fondaparinux, or UFH).
Identify patients who need mechanical prophylaxis only because anticoagulants are contraindicated.
Document structured VTE risk assessment in the electronic medical record.
Educate medical students and residents on evidence-based VTE prevention.
Support nursing-led VTE protocols that require a validated risk score.
Benchmark ward-level VTE prophylaxis rates in quality-improvement programs.
Reassess risk during prolonged hospital stays when clinical status changes.

Padua Score

Padua Risk Factors

Result

Summary

How it works

Use cases

Frequently Asked Questions

Padua Score

Use the Padua Score

Padua Risk Factors

Result

Summary

How it works

Use cases

Frequently Asked Questions