MELD Score Calculator
MELD score calculator for 2026 clinical use: computes OPTN-style MELD then MELD-Na from creatinine, bilirubin, INR, and serum sodium. Dialysis option sets creatinine per policy. For liver transplant listing and hepatology rounds; not a substitute for hospital lab systems.
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Result
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Formula
How it works: The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease uses logarithms of creatinine, bilirubin, and INR with standard floors. Sodium adjusts risk of hyponatremia. UNOS and OPTN update allocation rules periodically; confirm critical values against your institution.
Worked Example
Why MELD-Na matters
MELD was developed to prioritize liver transplant candidates by short-term mortality risk. Adding sodium (MELD-Na) reflects the prognostic impact of hyponatremia in cirrhosis.
- Higher scores generally reflect worse 90-day mortality without transplant
- Sodium between 125 and 137 mEq/L enters the standard adjustment term
- Institutions may use variant scores for exceptions; this tool follows the widely published OPTN-style form
- Always use the same lab units (mg/dL for creatinine and bilirubin) as your reference range
Transplant listing and exception points follow OPTN policies that change. Use this calculator for education and rough checks, not as the legal determinant of allocation.
You can also calculate changes using our Child-Pugh Score Calculator, HAS-BLED Score or CHA2DS2-VASc Score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the exact UNOS calculator?
It implements the widely published MELD and MELD-Na logarithmic form and common bounds. UNOS may apply additional rules, exception scores, or rounding in their official tools. Always confirm listing decisions with your transplant center.
Why is my creatinine forced to 4.0 on dialysis?
OPTN policy historically assigns a high creatinine for patients on maintenance dialysis when computing MELD, reflecting end-stage renal dysfunction in the liver candidate population.
What if sodium is below 125 or above 137?
For this model, sodium is clamped to the 125 to 137 range before the sodium adjustment term, consistent with common published implementations.
Does MELD 3.0 apply here?
UNOS introduced MELD 3.0 with additional terms for some candidates. This tool uses the classic MELD-Na form used in many teaching scenarios. Ask your center which score they report for listing.
Can I use this for acute liver failure?
MELD is mainly validated for chronic cirrhosis and transplant listing. Acute liver failure may use different criteria (for example King College).
Should bilirubin be total or direct?
Use total bilirubin in mg/dL as specified in standard MELD documentation unless your hepatologist directs otherwise.
Medical Disclaimer
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions based on these results. Do not disregard or delay seeking medical advice because of information obtained from this tool.
AI Assistant
Ask about this calculator
I can help you understand the meld score calculator formula, interpret your results, and answer follow-up questions.
Try asking
Our AI assistant provides general estimates and advice only. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
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