Wells Score + PERC Rule

Pulmonary embolism bedside decision support

PE Rule-Out Toolkit for Wells Score and PERC

Combine the Wells Score for pulmonary embolism and PERC criteria to support low-risk PE rule-out, D-dimer decisions, and imaging pathway guidance.

Use this page alongside the ABG Analyzer, A–a Gradient calculator, ROX Index calculator, and Causes of Hypoxemia when PE is part of the hypoxemia or dyspnea differential.

Step 01
Estimate pretest probability with Wells
Step 02
Apply PERC only in low-risk patients
Output
Rule-out, D-dimer, or imaging pathway

Step 01

Wells Score for PE

Select clinical findings and risk factors.

Current score

0.0

Step 02

PERC Rule

PERC is intended only for patients who are already low risk by clinician gestalt.

Current PERC

Negative

How to use Wells and PERC together

Wells Score estimates pretest probability for pulmonary embolism using clinical findings and risk factors. PERC is different: it is only meant for patients who are already low risk by clinician gestalt.

If Wells risk is moderate or high, PERC should not be used as the rule-out strategy. Those patients generally need a D-dimer or imaging pathway based on local protocol and patient-specific factors.

Clinical caution

Clinical decision rules support bedside assessment but do not replace judgment. Consider hemodynamic stability, pregnancy, anticoagulation status, renal function, contrast risk, imaging availability, and local protocols.

High-risk presentations should not be delayed by decision rules when urgent imaging or empiric treatment is clinically indicated.

Related PulmTools

PE Rule-Out Toolkit | Wells Score & PERC Rule Calculator | PulmTools