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BackTable / ENT / Tool
STOP-BANG Score Calculator
The STOP-BANG score is a widely used screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), designed to identify patients at risk using simple clinical and demographic data. It was developed by Dr. Frances Chung and colleagues at the University of Toronto to improve early detection of OSA, particularly in surgical and preoperative settings where unrecognized OSA can increase perioperative complications.
The questionnaire is brief and easy to implement, making it practical in primary care, sleep clinics, and hospital environments. Though not diagnostic it provides a quick tool to help stratify patients based on their likelihood of having OSA and helps determine the need for formal sleep testing, such as polysomnography.
OSA is associated with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and reduced quality of life. By identifying high-risk individuals early, clinicians can better manage perioperative planning and long-term care strategies.
STOP-BANG Score Calculator
Does the patient snore loudly?
Louder than talking or loud enough to be heard through closed doors
Does the patient often feel tired, fatigued, or sleepy during the daytime?
Has anyone observed the patient stop breathing during sleep?
Does the patient have (or being treated for) high blood pressure?
BMI
Age
Neck circumference
Gender
Value
Description
STOP-BANG Scoring
The STOP-BANG questionnaire includes eight yes/no items, each worth one point:
STOP Items (Symptom-Based):
• Snoring: Loud snoring
• Tiredness: Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
• Observed apneas: Witnessed breathing interruptions during sleep
• Pressure: History of high blood pressure
BANG Items (Demographic / Anthropometric):
• BMI > 35 kg/m²
• Age > 50 years
• Neck circumference > 40 cm
• Gender: Male
Each “yes” response scores one point. Total score ranges from 0 to 8.
STOP-BANG Interpretation
• 0–2 points: Low risk of obstructive sleep apnea
• 3–4 points: Intermediate risk
• 5–8 points: High risk
Patients with a score of 3 who have “yes” for at least two STOP items and at least one BANG item (e.g., male, BMI >35, or neck >40 cm) are also considered high risk.
This structured scoring helps stratify patients for further evaluation and supports clinical decisions regarding diagnostic testing and perioperative management.
Learn more on the BackTable ENT Podcast
BackTable is a knowledge resource for physicians by physicians. Get practical advice on the STOP-BANG Score Calculator and how to build your practice by listening to the BackTable Podcast.
References
[1] Chung, F., Yegneswaran, B., Liao, P., et al. "STOP Questionnaire: A Tool to Screen Patients for Obstructive Sleep Apnea." Anesthesiology, 2008;108(5):812–821.
[2] Nagappa, M., Liao, P., Wong, J., et al. "Validation of the STOP-BANG Questionnaire as a Screening Tool for Obstructive Sleep Apnea among Different Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis." PLoS One, 2015;10(12):e0143697.
[3] Kavousi, A., et al. "Performance of the STOP-BANG Questionnaire in Predicting OSA Severity in Patients Referred to a Sleep Clinic." Sleep and Breathing, 2017;21(4):1081–1087.
Disclaimer: The Materials available on BackTable.com are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients. The opinions expressed by participants of the BackTable Podcast belong solely to the participants, and do not necessarily reflect the views of BackTable.
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