Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS) Calculator

Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS) for ventilator-associated pneumonia (0–12).

For educational and clinical reference. Not a substitute for medical judgment. See the medical disclaimer.

Temperature (°C)

Blood leukocytes (/mm³)

Tracheal secretions

Oxygenation — PaO₂/FiO₂ (mmHg)

Pulmonary radiography

Tracheal aspirate culture (semi-quantitative)

Progression of pulmonary infiltrate (at 72 h)

Score

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Interpretation

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References

Pugin J, Auckenthaler R, Mili N, et al. Diagnosis of ventilator-associated pneumonia by bacteriologic analysis of bronchoscopic and nonbronchoscopic blind bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1991;143(5 Pt 1):1121-1129.

How to use

Select each clinical, radiographic, and microbiologic item.
The total CPIS (0–12) and interpretation update instantly.
A score > 6 supports a diagnosis of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Frequently asked questions

What is the CPIS?

The Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score combines clinical, radiographic, physiologic, and microbiologic data to estimate the likelihood of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

What CPIS suggests pneumonia?

A score > 6 supports the diagnosis of VAP and the decision to start or continue antibiotics.

When is the score recalculated?

A baseline CPIS uses the first six items; the seventh (infiltrate progression) and follow-up culture data allow a 72-hour reassessment to guide antibiotic continuation.

What are CPIS limitations?

Moderate sensitivity/specificity and inter-observer variability — it should support, not replace, overall clinical judgment and culture results.

Last updated June 28, 2026