Caprini Score: Comprehensive VTE risk assessment. Select all that apply. Total score determines the risk group and recommended thromboprophylaxis intensity.
1 Point Each
+1 per item
2 Points Each
+2 per item
3 Points Each
+3 per item
5 Points Each
+5 per item
Total Caprini Score
0
VTE Risk Category
Very Low
Predicted Risk: < 0.5%
Very Low Risk: Early ambulation is the primary recommendation.
Guidelines & Evidence
Clinical Details
Section 1
When to Use
When to Use
Evaluating the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in surgical patients.
Customizing the duration and intensity of pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis.
Primarily validated in general, vascular, and plastic surgery cohorts. Remains the most comprehensive tool for surgical patients due to its extensive list of risk factors.
When Not to Rely on This Score Alone
Medical patients — the Padua and IMPROVE scores are specifically derived for non-surgical cohorts.
Pediatric patients — the risk factors for VTE in children differ significantly from adults.
Acute VTE — this score predicts risk; it is not a diagnostic tool for suspected active DVT/PE.
Section 2
Formula & Logic
Scoring Weights
Points (1, 2, 3, or 5) are assigned based on the persistence and severity of individual risk factors. The total score estimates the probability of VTE within 30 days of surgery.
Risk Levels
Score
Risk Level
VTE Risk
Recommended Prophylaxis
0 - 1
Very Low
< 0.5%
Early ambulation
2
Low
1.5%
Mechanical prophylaxis (IPC/ES)
3 - 4
Moderate
3.0%
Pharmacologic (LMWH/Heparin) or Mechanical
≥ 5
High
6.0%
Pharmacologic plus Mechanical
Section 3
Pearls/Pitfalls
Granularity vs. Simplicity
While tools like the Rogers Score are simpler, the Caprini Score's ability to incorporate subtle factors (e.g., family history, factor V Leiden, inflammatory bowel disease) makes it superior for identifying "high-risk" outliers in otherwise stable populations.
Extended Prophylaxis
For "Highest Risk" patients (Score ≥ 9), consider extended prophylaxis (up to 30 days) following major cancer or abdominal surgery.
Section 4
Evidence Appraisal
Primary Score
Thrombosis risk assessment as a guide to quality patient care.
Developed by Dr. Joseph Caprini at Northwestern University. It has since been validated in over 250,000 surgical patients across diverse surgical domains.
