🦠 Centor Score (Modified / McIsaac)
Estimate the likelihood of strep throat with the modified Centor (McIsaac) score.
Centor Score (Modified / McIsaac)
Tonsillar exudate/swelling
Tender anterior cervical nodes
Fever > 38°C
Cough absent
Age
When to use
Decide on testing/treatment in sore throat.
How it works
1 point each: tonsillar exudate, tender anterior nodes, fever > 38°C, absence of cough; age 3–14 +1, 15–44 0, ≥ 45 −1.
Key points
- Confirm with rapid antigen test/culture before antibiotics in most settings.
- Low scores: no testing or antibiotics.
- The McIsaac modification adds the age adjustment.
References
Decision support for licensed clinicians only; not a substitute for clinical judgement, diagnosis or local protocols.