What is the difference between SIRS and sepsis?

SIRS is a non-specific inflammatory response. Sepsis is SIRS caused by a suspected or confirmed infection. Current Sepsis-3 guidelines define sepsis as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection.

Has SIRS been replaced by Sepsis-3 criteria?

Sepsis-3 (2016) replaced SIRS-based definitions with organ dysfunction as measured by an increase in SOFA score ≥2. However, SIRS criteria remain useful for initial triage and screening in resource-limited settings.

Sepsis SIRS Criteria Calculator

Identifies Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) requiring ≥2 of: temperature >38°C or <36°C, heart rate >90 bpm, respiratory rate >20/min or PaCO₂ <32 mmHg, WBC >12,000/µL or <4,000/µL or >10% bands.

Use the full interactive calculator below, or

Sepsis SIRS Criteria Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between SIRS and sepsis?

Has SIRS been replaced by Sepsis-3 criteria?