# LRINEC Score Calculator (Necrotising Fasciitis)

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/health/lrinec-score/
Last updated: 2026-10-30

> The LRINEC calculator uses six routine blood tests – CRP, white cells, haemoglobin, sodium, creatinine and glucose – to estimate the risk of necrotising fasciitis in patients with severe soft-tissue infection.

## Inputs

- CRP ≥ 150 mg/L
- White cell count (×10³/µL)
- Haemoglobin (g/dL)
- Sodium < 135 mmol/L
- Creatinine > 1.6 mg/dL (141 µmol/L)
- Glucose > 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L)

## Results

- LRINEC score
- Risk of necrotising fasciitis

## Formula

```
Score = sum of the points for each item
```

## Explanation

The Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis was published in 2004. A score of 6 or more should raise suspicion and 8 or more is strongly predictive, but a low score does not rule out necrotising fasciitis – clinical suspicion should prompt surgical exploration.

### How to use the LRINEC Score Calculator

- **CRP ≥ 150 mg/L**
- **White cell count (×10³/µL)**
- **Haemoglobin (g/dL)**
- **Sodium < 135 mmol/L**
- **Creatinine > 1.6 mg/dL (141 µmol/L)**
- **Glucose > 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L)**

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Each answer carries the points shown in the published score. The calculator adds them up and maps the total to the published interpretation.

### Scoring table

ItemAnswers and pointsCRP ≥ 150 mg/LNo = 0; Yes = 4White cell count (×10³/µL)Below 15 = 0; 15–25 = 1; Above 25 = 2Haemoglobin (g/dL)Above 13.5 = 0; 11–13.5 = 1; Below 11 = 2Sodium < 135 mmol/LNo = 0; Yes = 2Creatinine > 1.6 mg/dL (141 µmol/L)No = 0; Yes = 2Glucose > 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L)No = 0; Yes = 1

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterCRP ≥ 150 mg/LChoose one: No, YesWhite cell count (×10³/µL)Choose one: Below 15, 15–25, Above 25Haemoglobin (g/dL)Choose one: Above 13.5, 11–13.5, Below 11Sodium < 135 mmol/LChoose one: No, YesCreatinine > 1.6 mg/dL (141 µmol/L)Choose one: No, YesGlucose > 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L)Choose one: No, Yes
*Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.*

## Worked example

Inputs — CRP ≥ 150 mg/L: Yes; White cell count (×10³/µL): 15–25; Haemoglobin (g/dL): Above 13.5; Sodium < 135 mmol/L: No; Creatinine > 1.6 mg/dL (141 µmol/L): No; Glucose > 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L): No.

Results — **LRINEC score = 5 / 13**; Risk of necrotising fasciitis = Low (under 50%).

## Key terms

- **Necrotising fasciitis**: A rapidly spreading, life-threatening soft-tissue infection.

## FAQ

**What LRINEC score is high risk?**
8 or more.

**Can necrotising fasciitis occur with a low score?**
Yes – the score misses many cases; trust clinical signs.

**What are the warning signs?**
Pain out of proportion, rapid spread, skin discolouration, blistering, crepitus and systemic illness.


## Sources

- [Wong CH et al. The LRINEC score: a tool for distinguishing necrotizing fasciitis from other soft tissue infections. Crit Care Med, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15241098/)