PERC score

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The PERC score can be used as a screening tool in patients with a low clinical likelihood of pulmonary embolism – to assess if there is a need for further work-up, or to exclude a diagnosis of PE.

  • PERC stands for Pulmonary Embolism Rule-out Criteria

A score of ≥1 (i.e. any factor is positive) indicates a positive PERC score and PE cannot be excluded on the basis of PERC score alone in these patients.

The test it typically applied in the emergency department setting for patients in whom PE is an unlikely differential. It may be considered as a adjunct, rather than an alternative to the Well’s score.

Age > 50
HR > 100
O2 sats on room air <95%
Unilateral leg swelling
Use of oestrogen containing medication (e.g. COCP)
Haemoptysis
Recent trauma or surgery (within the last 4 weeks)
Previous PE or DVT

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Dr Tom Leach

Dr Tom Leach MBChB DCH EMCert(ACEM) FRACGP currently works as a GP and an Emergency Department CMO in Australia. He is also a Clinical Associate Lecturer at the Australian National University, and is studying for a Masters of Sports Medicine at the University of Queensland. After graduating from his medical degree at the University of Manchester in 2011, Tom completed his Foundation Training at Bolton Royal Hospital, before moving to Australia in 2013. He started almostadoctor whilst a third year medical student in 2009. Read full bio

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