What are the Wells criteria for pulmonary embolism?

Diagnosis  ·  April 7, 2026

From the Guidelines

Wells Criteria for Pulmonary Embolism

Based on the available sources, I can provide limited information about the Wells criteria for pulmonary embolism assessment.

Clinical Application

The Wells criteria is a clinical decision rule used to determine pretest probability in patients suspected of having pulmonary embolism [2]. According to available evidence, this scoring system helps clinicians assess the likelihood of PE before ordering diagnostic tests.

Validation and Performance

The Wells criteria has been validated in clinical studies with the following characteristics [2]:

Pediatric Considerations

In pediatric populations, the Wells criteria demonstrated [1]:

However, the sources note that adult-based PE algorithms like Wells criteria may have limitations when applied to pediatric patients [1].

Pregnancy Applications

The Wells criteria can be combined with D-dimer testing in pregnant women, where specific cut-off points have been established [3]:

Limitations of Available Information

The sources provided do not contain the specific components, scoring system, or individual criteria that make up the Wells score for pulmonary embolism. For the detailed scoring criteria and point values, additional sources would be needed.

Sources

[1]
Detection of Pulmonary Embolism in High-Risk Children. — J Pediatr, 2016
[2]
Prospective validation of Wells Criteria in the evaluation of patients with suspected pulmonary embolism. — Ann Emerg Med, 2004
[3]
New cut-off point for D-dimer in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism during pregnancy. — Blood Res, 2021
[4]
Acute Pulmonary Embolism.
[5]
Pleurisy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Wells criteria used to assess pulmonary embolism risk?

The Wells criteria is a clinical decision rule that determines pretest probability in patients suspected of pulmonary embolism, categorizing them into low, moderate, and high-risk groups. It helps clinicians decide whether to order diagnostic tests like D-dimer or imaging studies.

What is the sensitivity and specificity of Wells criteria in children?

In pediatric populations, the Wells criteria demonstrates a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 60%. However, adult-based PE algorithms like Wells criteria may have limitations when applied to pediatric patients and should be used with caution.

Can the Wells criteria be used during pregnancy to evaluate for pulmonary embolism?

Yes, the Wells criteria can be combined with D-dimer testing in pregnant women, with specific D-dimer cut-off points established: 1,962 μg/L for PE likely patients and 1,447 μg/L for PE unlikely patients. This approach helps guide diagnostic decisions in pregnant women suspected of PE.

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Mentor MD assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.