SIRS Criteria
Identifies systemic inflammatory response with four clinical criteria.
When to use
Adults with suspected infection or systemic inflammation, as part of initial assessment.
Pearls and pitfalls
- The four criteria are temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate and white cells.
- Two or more criteria define SIRS, but many noninfectious conditions also meet them.
- Sepsis requires infection and organ dysfunction, not just SIRS.
- Use with qSOFA, SOFA and clinical assessment to stratify risk.
0/4 criteria
SIRS absent
Reassess if there is clinical or laboratory change.
Formula
Add 1 point per criterion present; result from 0 to 4.
Evidence
Consensus criteria for systemic inflammatory response, used as an entry point for sepsis assessment.
References
- Bone RC, Balk RA, Cerra FB, et al. Definitions for sepsis and organ failure and guidelines for the use of innovative therapies in sepsis. Chest. 1992;101(6):1644-1655. doi:10.1378/chest.101.6.1644
Frequently asked questions
What is SIRS Criteria?
Identifies systemic inflammatory response with four clinical criteria. Adults with suspected infection or systemic inflammation, as part of initial assessment.
How is the result calculated?
Add 1 point per criterion present; result from 0 to 4.
How should the result be interpreted?
Consensus criteria for systemic inflammatory response, used as an entry point for sepsis assessment.
What are the sources?
Bone RC, Balk RA, Cerra FB, et al. Definitions for sepsis and organ failure and guidelines for the use of innovative therapies in sepsis. Chest. 1992;101(6):1644-1655.