🧾 Clinical Criteria

Clinical criteria are predefined clinical signs, symptoms, or measurements used to support diagnosis, guide treatment decisions, or determine inclusion/exclusion in a protocol or study.

• Based on observable or measurable clinical findings
• Often established by guidelines, consensus panels, or evidence-based protocols
• Can include:
  • Vital signs (e.g., GCS, blood pressure, temperature)
  • Symptoms (e.g., headache, focal deficit, confusion)
  • Physical findings (e.g., pupillary response, neck stiffness)
  • Laboratory thresholds (e.g., INR > 1.5)

• Defining mild traumatic brain injury: GCS 13–15, no focal deficits, no altered consciousness >30 min
• Determining eligibility for surgical intervention
• Classifying stroke severity or sepsis risk

• Use validated criteria when available (e.g., NIHSS for stroke, SIRS for sepsis)
• Document clearly in clinical notes when criteria are met or not
• Reassess frequently if dynamic