The Padua score was validated in 1,180 medical inpatients. Patients scoring 4 or more had an 11% risk of VTE without prophylaxis compared with 0.3% for those scoring under 4.
How to use the Padua Prediction Score
- Active cancer
- Previous VTE (excluding superficial thrombosis)
- Reduced mobility (bed rest for at least 3 days)
- Known thrombophilic condition
- Recent trauma or surgery (within 1 month)
- Age 70 or older
- Heart or respiratory failure
- Acute heart attack or ischaemic stroke
- Acute infection or rheumatological disorder
- Obesity (BMI 30 or more)
- Ongoing hormonal treatment
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
| Item | Answers and points |
|---|---|
| Active cancer | No = 0; Yes = 3 |
| Previous VTE (excluding superficial thrombosis) | No = 0; Yes = 3 |
| Reduced mobility (bed rest for at least 3 days) | No = 0; Yes = 3 |
| Known thrombophilic condition | No = 0; Yes = 3 |
| Recent trauma or surgery (within 1 month) | No = 0; Yes = 2 |
| Age 70 or older | No = 0; Yes = 1 |
| Heart or respiratory failure | No = 0; Yes = 1 |
| Acute heart attack or ischaemic stroke | No = 0; Yes = 1 |
| Acute infection or rheumatological disorder | No = 0; Yes = 1 |
| Obesity (BMI 30 or more) | No = 0; Yes = 1 |
| Ongoing hormonal treatment | No = 0; Yes = 1 |
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Active cancer | Choose one: No, Yes |
| Previous VTE (excluding superficial thrombosis) | Choose one: No, Yes |
| Reduced mobility (bed rest for at least 3 days) | Choose one: No, Yes |
| Known thrombophilic condition | Choose one: No, Yes |
| Recent trauma or surgery (within 1 month) | Choose one: No, Yes |
| Age 70 or older | Choose one: No, Yes |
| Heart or respiratory failure | Choose one: No, Yes |
| Acute heart attack or ischaemic stroke | Choose one: No, Yes |
| Acute infection or rheumatological disorder | Choose one: No, Yes |
| Obesity (BMI 30 or more) | Choose one: No, Yes |
| Ongoing hormonal treatment | 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.
Formula
Score = sum of the points for each item
Worked example
Inputs — Active cancer: No; Previous VTE (excluding superficial thrombosis): No; Reduced mobility (bed rest for at least 3 days): Yes; Known thrombophilic condition: No; Recent trauma or surgery (within 1 month): No; Age 70 or older: Yes; Heart or respiratory failure: No; Acute heart attack or ischaemic stroke: No; Acute infection or rheumatological disorder: No; Obesity (BMI 30 or more): No; Ongoing hormonal treatment: No.
Results — Padua score = 4 / 20; VTE risk = High risk (about 11%) – consider thromboprophylaxis.
Key terms
- VTE
- Venous thromboembolism: deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
Frequently asked questions
What score needs clot prevention?
4 or more, unless bleeding risk is high.
What is thromboprophylaxis?
Low-dose blood thinners or mechanical devices to prevent clots.
Is Padua used for surgical patients?
No – surgical patients use the Caprini score.