Centor score (McIsaac modification) for strep pharyngitis
Likelihood of group A streptococcal pharyngitis and testing advice.
Inputs
CompleteTemperature above 38 °C
Absence of cough
Swollen, tender anterior cervical nodes
Tonsillar swelling or exudate
Age
Worked calculation
Your values are highlighted.
- Points
When to use
- Acute sore throat.
Pearls and pitfalls
- IDSA: test (rapid antigen) rather than treat empirically; scores guide who to test.
- Do not test children under 3 or adults with clear viral features.
Why use
Reduces unnecessary antibiotics.
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Temperature above 38 °C | +1 |
| Absence of cough | +1 |
| Swollen, tender anterior cervical nodes | +1 |
| Tonsillar swelling or exudate | +1 |
| Age: 3–14 years | +1 |
| 15–44 years | 0 |
| 45 or older | -1 |