Alvarado score for appendicitis
Likelihood of acute appendicitis from symptoms, signs, and labs.
Inputs
Migration of pain to the right lower quadrant
Anorexia
Nausea or vomiting
Right lower quadrant tenderness
Rebound tenderness
Temperature 37.3 °C (99.1 °F) or higher
WBC above 10,000/µL
Left shift (neutrophils above 75%)
Worked calculation
Your values are highlighted.
- Points
When to use
- Suspected appendicitis.
Pearls and pitfalls
- Best at ruling out (low scores); imaging is usually still needed for intermediate scores.
- Less accurate in women of childbearing age and children.
Why use
Classic structured assessment.
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Migration of pain to the right lower quadrant | +1 |
| Anorexia | +1 |
| Nausea or vomiting | +1 |
| Right lower quadrant tenderness | +2 |
| Rebound tenderness | +1 |
| Temperature 37.3 °C (99.1 °F) or higher | +1 |
| WBC above 10,000/µL | +2 |
| Left shift (neutrophils above 75%) | +1 |