This large review looked at how well different checklists find sepsis in adults living in low- and middle-income countries. The team examined thirty thousand patients to see which tools worked best for spotting the dangerous infection early.
One common tool called qSOFA found about half the real cases but also flagged many healthy people. Another tool named SIRS was better at finding sick patients but failed to rule out healthy ones effectively. Other checklists showed similar mixed results depending on the specific numbers used.
The study found that no single checklist is perfect for every situation. Different tools have different strengths and weaknesses when used in places with limited lab tests. Doctors should pick the right tool for their specific hospital and available resources.
Choosing the best screening method depends on what local hospitals can afford and what tests they have. Using a step-by-step approach might help doctors find sepsis faster while using resources wisely. This helps save lives without wasting money on tests that are not needed.