Advanced MELD Score Calculator
Laboratory Factor Breakdown
Score Interpretation
About the MELD Score
The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score is a clinical scoring system used to estimate short-term mortality risk in people with advanced liver disease and is an important component of liver transplant allocation.
The modern MELD 3.0 model incorporates serum bilirubin, INR, creatinine, sodium, albumin, and sex. It also includes interaction terms between bilirubin and sodium and between albumin and creatinine.
Laboratory values are subject to specific limits before the MELD 3.0 calculation is performed. Bilirubin, INR, and creatinine values below 1.0 are treated as 1.0. Creatinine is capped at 3.0 mg/dL. Sodium is limited to 125–137 mEq/L, and albumin is limited to 1.5–3.5 g/dL.
Common MELD Score Severity Categories
For general educational interpretation, scores of 6–9 are commonly described as lower severity, 10–19 as moderate, 20–29 as high, 30–39 as severe, and 40 as very severe. These descriptive categories should not be interpreted as independent transplant eligibility criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the MELD score measure?
The MELD score estimates the severity of advanced liver disease and is used to help assess short-term mortality risk and prioritize candidates for liver transplantation.
What laboratory values are used?
MELD 3.0 uses bilirubin, INR, creatinine, sodium, and albumin, along with sex.
What is the maximum MELD score?
The MELD 3.0 score is limited to a maximum of 40, with a minimum of 6.
Why is dialysis status included?
Kidney dysfunction is an important component of MELD. Under MELD 3.0, qualifying recent dialysis results in a creatinine value of 3.0 mg/dL being used in the calculation.
Can the MELD score diagnose liver disease?
No. The MELD score is a prognostic and clinical decision-support tool. It does not diagnose a specific liver condition and should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional.